Substitute Prasanjit Barua blasted wide from the spot after referee Walter Pereira punished the bankmen for Anil Tomar's charge on Balin Singh amid frenetic action in the goalmouth in the 54th minute.

Bank of India scored an emphatic 4-0 victory over cellar side Income-Tax in an earlier match. The winners led 1-0 at half-time. Mid-fielder Chandrakant Poojary (38th minute), striker Bashir Hussien (49th), stopper Evaristo Cardoz (63rd) and Sanjay Hazare (87th) were on target.

UBI with three matches to go in the nine-team league are on 16 points with RCF on 11 from 14. Bank of India have 25 from 14 and can only harbour hope of finishing runners-up at best given BMFC's 29 from 13, leaders Mahindras 31 from 15 and Central Railways' 18 points withas many as five matches to play.

The idea of thrusting veteran Vijay Thapa upfront -- initiative of acting coach Julian D'Silva -- seems to be holding UBI in good stead. The make-shift striker had RCF 'keeper stretching to the limit to tip over a header in the 13th minute.

Patil's opposite number Nadeem Ansari stood out with a sprightly collection in the 35th minute to deny lanky RCF forward Abhishek Yadav who tried to finish off a corner with a header in the 35th minute.

Thapa's age-defying bursts almost rewarded UBI with the lead in the 36th minute. The striker punted a loose ball just wide as play failed to present a clear-cut pattern. Two minutes later an expulsion promised UBI a chance to script a clear-cut win.

Referee Pereira, recipient of a local award recently, took no nonsense to RCF's Zahid Raza's dissent and after a yellow, flashed out a direct red to send the striker to the dressing room.

Pereira was to display a firm hand again -- after the change of ends. As UBI's players filibusteredin lining up, he blew for the kick-off. RCF, though, lacked the presence of mind to attempt a long shot at goal as the bankmen scrambled to get into position.

After Thapa went close with a left-footer, outwitting a closely attending El Hassan Fowad five minutes later, one witnessed a potential twist in the tale.

UBI defender Anil Tomar denied Balin Singh illegitimately and Pereira pointed to the spot. RCF's joy turned to disappointment as Barua produced a sprightly but wayward essay.

Dimunitive UBI striker Ryan D'Souza, lost very often amid physical challenges, made late efforts to recapture his spark of the past. With just nine minutes to go, though, he failed to control in a one-on-one situation against 'keeper Suhas Patil while chasing a long ball sent in by Michael D'Silva.

Patil proved equal again in the 87th minute, stretching to his right to touch D'Souza's snap attempt for a corner.

The gangling Yadav could have delivered UBI the killer blow with only two minutes remaining. A left-footvolley drew Nadim Ansari to a fine save, the UBI custodian saving his side's blushes by tipping over in the nick of time.