Down by a first-half goal, Salgaocar rallied splendidly to hold JCT to a 1-1 draw in an eighth National Football League match at Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Thursday.

JCT, who found their rhythm in the latter part of the first session, took the lead in the 36th minute.

Following a move on the right, Baldip Singh sent a cross into the box. Salgaocar's Tomba Singh failed to make a first timed clearance and only chested the ball down. Harvinder Singh, who was behind him, pounced on the loose ball and shot into the net.

Salgaocar, with more ball possession and scoring chances, managed to restore parity after the break with a set-piece move.

Jatin Bist, accepting the ball in the middle, sent a through pass to Felix Ibrebru, who drove the ball into the net with a stiff grounder.

Salgaocar completed their league engagements with 27 points from 22 matches, the same as Haywards Sporting.

They are placed sixth in the league on account of better goal difference while JCT, who played 21 matches, remained in fifth place with 32 points.