With two more rounds to go in the league, the competition is becoming rather intriguing, particularly in Group B, where the contest is still open.

In a one-sided affair between Garhwal Hereos and Border Security Force, the former made heavy weather of it before winning the contest 1-0. Right from the start, Garhwal Heroes dominated the game and had more of the ball possession. They were also accurate in their passing as they indulged in short passes. As compared to their previous encounters, the team in green was more composed and played as unit.

In fact, their rivals hardly troubled the Garhwal Heroes’ custodian Ram Pal, who was a mere spectator to the action at the far end. In comparison, BSF’s Amrit Pal Singh had a harrowing time under the bar, having been tested time and again by the Heroes’ forwards.

The BSF players were hardly able to control the ball and every time they got possession, they only manged to lose it to their opponents even before entering the penalty area. Whenever they did manage a shot or two at the goal, they were always wayward or Heroes’ defenders were able to put them out of harm’s way.

BSF, obviously tired and wandering aimlessly, needed some fresh legs. And their coach Avtar Singh promptly made the substitutions.

But even that could not stop Garhwal Heroes surging ahead. In the 42nd minute, the Heroes scored the lone goal of the match.

A cross from the right by skipper Kemai Gangamlung found the foot of Henry Jerome inside the box, but his shot rebounded into play before Jerome’s quickfoot action ending in the match-winner.