Punjab Police edge
past F C Kochin

Riding on an oustanding performance by Gurinderpal Singh, Punjab Police pipped F C Kochin 1-0 in a Tata National Football League match in Jalandhar on Wednesday.

The first half saw both teams play a somewhat slow-paced game, with the first attacking move being made only in the 28th minute, when Gurinderpal tried to score from a solo effort. However, he was thwarted by the opposition's defence.

Two minutes later, F C Kochin made their first threatening move through V P Shaji, but his weak try was saved by goalkeeper Satish Kumar.

The teams were locked goalless at half-tme.

Five minutes into the second half, Gurinderpal had a good try at goal but narrowly missed the target.

The Kerala side too were frustrated when Niaz Rehman's attempt, in the 66th minute, a direct shot following a corner, was saved by the rival 'keeper.

Punjab Police got the all-important goal in the 86th minute through Gurinderpal, who bulged the net after receiving a pass from Kuldeep Singh on the left.

The win saw Punjab Police swell their tally to seven points while Kochin have 11.

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