No respite for Sheikh Russel

Despite drafting in Shafiqul Islam Manik in place of Maruful Haque at the dugout, Sheikh Russel KC continued their miserable run in the JB Bangladesh Premier league, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Brothers Union at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

While things remained as bleak as before at the Sheikh Russel tent, there was a shift of fortunes in the opposition dugout as veteran coach Syed Naeemuddin guided Brothers to their first victory in the league after having replaced Bal Gopal Maharjan.

Although Sheikh Russel surrendered meekly in the end for a sixth defeat, it was Manik's side who had the game at their mercy in the opening passages. But Paul Emile squandered two sitters within the first five minutes before Jean Jules Ikanga failed to score from the spot in 12th minute give the initiative back to Brothers.    

The Oranges came back strongly, with Nkowcha Kingsley and Augustine Walson scoring in the 17th and 32nd minutes respectively before substitute Shakhawat Hossain Rony reduced the margin for Sheikh Russel in the 55th minute. Walson, however, sealed Brothers' victory with his second goal in the stoppage time of the second half.

Meanwhile, big-spenders Chittagong Abahani got another jolt as they were held to a goalless draw by Arambagh KS in the first match of the day.

The port-city side never looked convincing in the match where winger Zahid Hossain was fielded as a strike partner of Leonel Saint Preux. Zahid made no impact in his new position and there was no bite either from the two wingers -- Rubel Mia and Mohammad Ibrahim. The frontline of Chittagong Abahani struggled to expose the five-man defence of Arambagh, and midfielder Mamunul Islam, who remained  anonymous, was justifiably replaced by defender Nasir Chowdhury.

Despite all that, Chittagong Abahani could have taken the lead on the half-hour mark had Ibrahim played on Zahid inside the box instead of going for goal himself. Arambagh goalkeeper Mitul Hasan played his part in keeping Chittagong Abahani at bay by keeping out a curling corner from Mamunul in the 37th minute.  

Preux was presented with the easiest opportunity just three minutes before the break, but the Haitian headed over the crosspiece from inside the six-yard box.

Arambagh nearly snatched the lead from a counter attack twelve minutes after restart when Kester Akon raced into the box to drive an angular shot only to be denied by Chittagong Abahani goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana.

Pavlik sent on Sohel Rana in place of Zahid, but the nature of the game remained the same and the title contenders had to be content with their third draw in seven matches and stay at third position with 12 points.  Arambagh remained in seventh position with seven points.

CTG ABAHANI 0 - 0 ARAMBAGH

SK RUSSEL 1 - 3  BROTHERS