Eastern Sporting Union held to a draw by Sethu FC

Eastern Sporting Union were held to a 1-1 draw by Sethu FC in a group stage match of the second edition of the Hero Indian Women's League here today.

Ranjibala Devi's early strike was cancelled out by Indumathi's 14th minute goal as both teams qualified for the semi-finals after sharing points at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

Eastern Sporting Union decided to attack from the opening minutes of the match and Kamala Devi's header in the 4th minute was saved by the opposing custodian.

However, ESU didn't have to wait for long to take the lead as in the very next minute Ranjibala's magnificent attempt found the back of the net.

The lead however, did not last very long as Sethu FC equalized in the 14th minute courtesy Indumathi's strike from between the legs of Panthoi.

The volatile opening minutes were followed by battle for possession in the midfield and both teams cancelled each other out for much of the remaining time of the first half.

Changing over, ESU tried to adopt an attacking momentum and almost succeeded in scoring in the 48th minute when Mandakini Devi's attempt from inside the box was saved by the opposing custodian.

Shortly after, Kamala Devi burst onto goal and rounded up the goalkeeper but the referee called the play offside as ESU searched for the decisive goal.

Relying on counter-attacks Sethu FC tried to stretch ESU's defence but could not create clear goal scoring opportunities.