I-League: Neroca hold leaders Chennai City

IMPHAL: I-League leaders Chennai City squandered a three-goal lead as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Neroca FC on Monday.

A first half hat-trick from Spanish forward Pedro Manzi saw the visitors take a 3-0 lead into half-time but Neroca struck back in the second half through Felix Chidi, Chencho Gyeltshen and Aryn Williams.

Despite the draw, Chennai City still hold the pole position with 34 points from 16 matches, two points clear of debutants Real Kashmir FC (32 from 16 matches). Neroca FC are now placed fifth in the points table with 26 points from 17 matches.

East Bengal, who are also in the title race, are now six points behind Chennai with two games in hand. However, even if East Bengal win both games, they will trail Chennai on head-to-head.