Abahani stayed hot on the heels of leaders Usha Krira Chakra when the defending champions cruised to a 3-1 win over Mariner Youngs Club in yesterday's Green Delta Premier Hockey League match at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium.

Abahani's eighth win in ten outings saw the Dhanmondi outfit's collection improve to 25 points, two behind Usha. Mariner are virtually out of the race with 18 points from the same number of games.

Mariner began brightly in their third meet of the season against the Sky-Blues but squandered a series of chances as the first half finished 0-0.

Mariner, who gave up a 3-0 lead to lose this year's Club Cup final 4-3 to Abahani, came close to scoring even before their opponents had settled down. However, Issa Mia shot over from a fourth-minute penalty corner. The national defender had another setpiece to take advantage of two minutes later but his rising hit was stopped well by Abahani custodian Bappi.

Mariner then spoiled a sitter when Pakistani recruit Yamin Bhatti pushed straight into Bappi's

pads with the goal post at his mercy.

Abahani's only chance before the break fell to Russel Mahmud Jimmy but the lively forward's reverse hit flew over the keeper.

Abahani took control in the second half but had to wait till the 54th minute to break the deadlock. Youngster Rajib Hasan Issa sent a powerful pass inside the box to Indian striker Prakash Calke who beat the rival keeper with a firsttime flick.

Ten minutes later, Shamim Reza dribbled down the middle to find Jimmy who doubled the lead with a fierce hit into the back of the net from the top of the box for his tenth goal in the league.

It could have been 3-0 in the next minute but an unmarked Prakash saw his feeble mishit from a handshaking distance saved by a diving goalkeeper Jahangir.

Mariner briefly came back from a counter attack from the right when Kamal pushed home a pass by Prashanta in the 67th minute. But the Arambagh side failed to sustain pressure. Then one minute from time Abahani's Indian defender Christopher Edward made a dashing run down the left flank to set up Shamim who received the ball near the 25-yard circle and went past two defenders before beating goalkeeper Jahangir with an angular hit.