03 October 2004	Sunday	17 Shaban 1425

LAHORE, Oct 2: Two goals by Hayatullah not only helped Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) thrash Allied Bank Limited (ABL) 5-1 but also brightened their chances to remain in contention for the top slot in the national football league at the Punjab Stadium on Saturday.

The outright win gave KRL three points to increase their tally to 70 from 28 matches to become joint leaders with Army who have also played the same number of matches.

Wapda is the third team having strong chances for the top position with 67 points from 27 matches.

A tough fight was witnessed in the first half which KRL led by a slim margin 1-0.

In the second half, bankers failed to match the stamina of their rivals and conceded four goals goals.

KRL started the match on a fast note and launched their first attack in the very first minute. Qadeer Ahmed's header was well saved by goalkeeper Nauman Ibrahim. Three minutes later, KRL succeeded in taking the lead when Hayatullah drew first blood.

He initiated the move from centre and after exchanging passes again received the ball in the circle and found the target with a powerful kick which went into the left corner.

KRL's keeper Tariq Aziz was beaten but Amir's attempt went astray.

In the second half, KRL were more offensive. Sajjad doubled the lead in the 47th minute. He scored a field goal with a header.

KRL forged 3-0 ahead five minutes later when Hameed banged home with a field goal.

The bankers struck their consolation goal in the 75th minute through Amjad Zakriya who found the target after beating two defenders. But KRL again increased the lead when Farooq Aziz made the score 4-1 in the 77th minute, before Hayatullah scored his second in the 88th minute to seal the fate of the match.