KOLKATA: Putting behind the poor show thus far in the ongoing ONGC 11th National Football League, former champion Mohun Bagan clipped the wings of Air-India by the odd goal in three to register its first victory at the Barasat Stadium near here on Saturday.

After a barren first-half, the Federation Cup champion struck twice in six minutes through Fabio Cortez Vidal (55th) and Jose Ramirez Barreto (61st) to pick up full points. AI's consolation goal was scored by Benoy Kuruvilla in the 83rd minute.

The second half opened up for some lively football after Bagan brought in Dharamjit Singh as substitute. The hard-working midfielder, carrying a groin strain, initiated some splendid moves that kept up the forward momentum of the home side.

During this period of ascendancy, Fabio produced a stunning right-footed free-kick from the left for Bagan's first goal. Before the euphoria could die down, Bagan scored the second goal.

Defensive lapse

Barreto made full use of a defensive lapse off a right-wing cross by Mehtab Hussein to push home the loose ball.

AI, second in the league standing despite the loss, began to assert itself.

AI pulled one back when Paresh Shivalkar floated one from the right and Kuruvilla headed in the chance with seven minutes to go.

At the end of the fourth round, Mohun Bagan logged with four points while AI remained on seven points.

Kingfisher East Bengal will take on Churchill Brothers on Sunday.

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