JANSHEDPUR, Mar 13: Defending champion Pune FC and Salgaocar entered into the final round from Group A of the 6th edition of the U-20 I-League played here today.
In the match against the north-east team played at Gopal Maidan in the first session, Pune FC inflicted a humiliating 9-0 defeat on a hapless United Sikkim SC to sail into the final round.
The north-east outfit was totally off colour against Pune FC, which surged onto a dominating 6-0 lead at the break and didn’t allow the opponent to enter its citadel in major part of the 90 minutes play.
The defending champion maintained their supremacy after the play resumed following lemon-break and pumped in three more goals to extend the winning margin.
Striker L William scored an emphatic hattrick (45+1 min, 58 min, 70 min) while F Lalrempuia (19 min, 23 min) and Subhashish Bose (9 min, 28 min) scored a brace each.
The other scorers for Pune were Thongkhosiem Haokip (31 min) and Nikhil Kadam (55 min).
With the win Pune FC ensured their place in the final league group with nine points (three win and one loss against Salgaocar 1-2).
In the second match played at the same venue in the second session, Prayag United played a tough draw against Salgaocar FC.
The two teams fought hard in the first half but neither could break the deadlock.
Amit Kumar Mahato from Prayag United scored the first goal of the match on the 49th min through a close range strike.
However, the joy was shortlived for the Kolkata outfit as Salgaocar restored parity in the 56th min through fine goal scored by Melwin Fernandes.
The Goan striker dodged past the defenders of Prayag to score from the left flank. The draw ensured Salgaocar FC a place in the next stage of the tournament with ten points from three win and a draw.
Prayag United secured five points from two draw, one loss and a win. (PTI)
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