I-league: Plaza helps Churchill draw with EB

KOLKATA: Churchill Brothers came from behind to hold title aspirants East Bengal to a 1-1 draw and end the home team’s dream run in the I-league.

Willis Plaza came to haunt his former side as the East Bengal discard stunned a strong crowd of 43,768 with a perfect finish in the 68th minute at the Salt Lake Stadium. But the two-time former champions’ lead lasted just 10 minutes with Kassim Aidara flicking in a header from a stunning Lalrindika Ralte cross to bring draw level.

The draw meant East Bengal (32) could not go level with leaders Chennai City FC (34) but jumped past Real Kashmir (32) on goal difference to occupy second place. This was East Bengal’s penultimate home game of the season and they will next face Aizawl FC on Feb 25, before concluding campaign with three away games against Kashmir, Minerva and Gokulam Kerala.

MINERVA THREATEN TO GO TO COURT

NEWDELHI: Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC said it will consider moving court if three points are awarded to Real Kashmir for not playing their I-league match in Srinagar in the wake of Pulwama attack. The match was scheduled for Monday but Minerva Punjab said its foreign players have been advised by their respective countries’ embassies to pull out.

The club said it had not received the assurances it had sought as far as security of its players are concerned. “Minerva Punjab has asked home team and AIFF to produce written assurance from Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI or Indian Army for the match to go ahead, which have not been given to us till now,” said club in a statement.