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Arrows downs SBI

CHENNAI: A beleaguered SBI, already relegated to the first division along with MSU and Annai Youth, finished its campaign with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Arrows in a St. Joseph's-CFA league game, here on Thursday.

Both teams made a mess of opportunities for a better part of the first session. Arrows lost a golden chance when substitute Udhayashankar shot the ball wide from inside the box.

SBI fared no better as Mohammed Habib, receiving a ball from the centre, booted the ball wide of the onrushing ‘keeper. Arrows opened its account in the 32nd minute after Murugesan handled the ball inside the box.

Benedict Simon slotted in the resultant penalty. A minor stand-off ensued between the teams after B. John Paul made an off-the-ball attack on Arrows' R. Pavalavannan. John Paul was lucky to get away with a caution.

Commencement of the second half was delayed by ten minutes as a practice session in the athletic track adjacent to the playing field proved to be distracting. A dull affair prevailed in the second half before another controversy cropped up.

An off-the-ball attack, not as severe as the earlier one, was made by Benedict Simon on SBI's Nataraja Murugan. Referee P. Vairamuthu made the right call this time as he handed out a yellow to the offender.

Arrows scored for the second time after Udhayashankar's long-ranger from the middle was netted in by Jaffer Sadique in the 71st minute.

With a minute to go for the end of regulation time, Arun Raj made it 3-0 for Arrows after he turned in a cross from Jaffer on the right. Jaffer Sadique was named man-of-the-match.

Arrows ended its tournament with 15 points while SBI remained at four. Earlier, K.J.D. Basha's brace enabled Universal down Madras Eagles 2-0 in a first division match. — Sports Reporter

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