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LAHORE Pakistan Premier Football League debutants Young Blood FC scored their first away win of the league when they beat PMC Athletico on Thursday.
Despite going down to nine men, following the sending off of Zain Khalid and Amir Yaqoob, Young Blood FC of Sahiwal were able to upset the home side at the Agriculture University Ground in Faisalabad.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 15th minute when striker Asim Mansoor put one past the home side. Young Blood's lead was doubled nine minutes later with midfielder Abid Hussain's stunning strike and the visitors maintained the scoreline until half-time.
The second half was a quieter affair but still saw some enterprising attacking play from both sides and both benches gradually changed their teams around, bringing on several subs. PMC's midfielder Hasham Chaudhry had the only real chance at the beginning of the half, when he stormed into Young Blood's half in the 50th minute before striking a low shot wide of the target.
PMC's Bashir Ahmed went close to getting on the score sheet twice in quick succession 20 minutes into the second half but failed to convert the chances. His attempt, a powerful strike from a tight angle, was cleared by keeper Muzammil Yousaf and then his header from Naveed Mumtaz's cross bounced agonisingly close to the goal line before being cleared.
Young Blood threatened to consolidate their lead further but the closest they came was to force PMC keeper Zahid into a good save when midfielder Muhammad Sajid shot at goal after good work from Abid Hussain.
PMC scored a consolation goal in the 83rd minute through skipper Haroon Yousaf, who converted from the spot to score the tournament's 100th goal.
Young Blood's goal-scorer Zain Khalid was sent off by referee Shahid Hussain following a second yellow card in the 83rd minute while his teammate Amir Yaqoob also received two yellow cards and ended up being sent off in the 82nd minute, reducing Young Blood to nine men for the last nine minutes.
Friday's matches Afghan v NBP Jamal Nasir Stadium, Chaman 3.30 PM), Nushki Baloch FC v KESC v HBL (Nushki Stadium, Nushki 3.30 PM), SSGC v HBL(KPT - Benazir Sports Complex, Karachi 3.30 PM) —APP
