I-League: Bengaluru FC go four points clear at the top

Kolkata: Table-toppers Bengaluru FC registered a highly significant 2-0 victory over Mohun Bagan in a round 24 encounter of the Airtel I-League at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday (April 6, 2014).

Thoi Singh put the visitors in front just before the interval while Sean Rooney doubled their lead in the second period. The result restores Bengaluru’s four-point lead at the top while Mohun Bagan remain in danger of relegation with 24 points from 22 outings.

The defences were on top in the early stages as neither side could create a clear cut goal-scoring opportunity.

Mohun Bagan enjoyed a lot of possession in the Bengaluru half but their final ball lacked quality and they never really tested Bengaluru custodian Pawan Kumar.

Bengaluru lacked penetration from open play and only looked dangerous from crosses with Mohun Bagan keeper Shilton Paul having to come out and punch clear twice.

The best opening of the half was created by John Menyongar as the Liberian went past his marker and played a low cross into the box but Robin Singh’s first-time shot missed the target.

As the half progressed, both teams struggled physically due to the hot and humid conditions.

But Bengaluru broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime almost out of nothing. A needless back-header by Denson Devadas sent Rooney behind the Mohun Bagan backline and the Australian’s cross from the right flank was headed into the back of the net by Thoi Singh.

Mohun Bagan were forced to replace Shilton at the interval due to injury with veteran Sandip Nandy coming on.

The Mariners looked to make a fast start in the second period but Bengaluru defended solidly while Mohun Bagan’s Christopher Chizoba was also booked for simulation.

The home side’s first real effort of the match was a shot from Katsumi Yusa that missed the target.

Bengaluru didn’t really get going in the second half but doubled their advantage at the hour mark as Rooney latched on to a mishit clearance from Sandip and found the back of the net with a well-placed shot.

Much like the first half Mohun Bagan never really looked like scoring and Bengaluru could have increased their lead when Thoi’s cross found Robin unmarked inside the six-yard box but the India International put his header over the bar.

The green-and-maroon brigade went close through a Bikramjit Singh long-ranger but could have conceded again when a fast Bengaluru counter attack saw Sunil Chhetri pick out Robin but the former TFA cadet’s effort was well saved by Sandip.