Howrah: Pune FC were held to a 2-2 draw by home side East Bengal in their final Group-B game in the Under-18 I-League 2015-16, Final Phase at the Municipal Football Stadium in Howrah on Thursday.

While winger Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (20th & 40th minute) netted a brace for Pune FC, Indrajeet Chettri (28th) and Rahul Roy (70th) levelled scores for the home side in a tight affair.

The result meant Pune FC (5 points) ended their campaign in third place behind Salgaocar FC (9 pts) and Aizawl FC (8 pts) while East Bengal finished last with a single point in a five team group.

The game began with both sides engaging in some end-to-end action during the opening quarter. Having gone close on a few occasions early on, Pune FC took the lead in the 20th minute. A neat cross floated in from the right by defender Sebastian Thangmuansang found striker Buantahnglun Samte in the box. The youngster headed it onto the left to Chesterpaul who scored with a powerful low shot across the goal.

Thereafter, Pune FC continued to push up and create chances but lacked the finishing touch in the rival box. Meanwhile, at the other end, East Bengal pulled level against the run of play with winger Indrajeet netting on a volley from the edge of the box on the left in the 28th minute.

The first half was a close affair, but Pune FC managed to up their game towards the end and get goal in the 40th minute. Once again it was Chesterpaul who scored, this time heading home from close on striker Ashique Kuruniyan’s cross in from the left as Pune FC led 2-1 going into the breather.

The second half was similar story as both sides battled hard in the midfield. While Pune FC had the better chances to go further up, East Bengal capitalised on another defensive error as Rahul Roy scored in the 70th minute to pull East Bengal level.

Pune FC battled hard towards the end looking for a winner, but East Bengal managed to hold on defending deep as the game ended 2-2.