Srinagar, Dec 12: J&K Bank football team defeated Orissa Police 3-1 in the quarterfinal of 6th All India Sambalpur football tournament in Orissa.
 The Bank team had been given direct berth into the quarterfinals.
 The Bank’s team made a promising start to the winter season by beating a strong team. The new foreign striker Ezekiel gave an early break to the team by scoring in the 20th minute on a sneaky pass of Rizwan Sheikh. With an early lead, Bank boys played more confidently and dominated the proceedings.
 In the second half, Orissa Police although looking aggressive could not check Zubair’s tactical dribble and excellent ball-play deep inside their half throughout the second session.
 It was Zubair’s brilliant pass in 62nd minute that received a fine finishing shot from Ezekiel to double the score 2-0.
 Meanwhile, due to a misunderstanding between Bank’s custodian Vikramjeet and defender Shafiq, a self goal reduced the margin to 2-1.
 It was the time for Bank’s effective striker Ezekiel to receive applause all around in the 78th minute when he scored third consecutive goal for his team on a beautiful pass from Zubair. He became the first player of the tournament to score a hatrick.
 In the first semifinal of the tournament, J&K Bank will play the winner of the match between George Telegraph Kolkata and ICF Chennai on December 15.
 The tournament is being organized by Sambalpur Sporting Club Orissa under the aegis of All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Lastupdate on : Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST