The Hindu : Sport / Football : Bhutia nets Bagan’s winner

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Monday, Dec 31, 2007
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Bhutia nets Bagan’s winner

Principal Correspondent

KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan beat East Bengal by a solitary goal in a eighth round match of the inaugural I-League football here on Sunday.

India skipper Baichung Bhutia netted the 61st minute winner for Mohun Bagan, which picked up full three points to sail into the top half of the 10-team premier club competition.

Tallying 11 points from eight matches Mohun Bagan tied fourth-placed Mahindra United on points but was pushed to the fifth position on goal difference. On the other hand problems compounded for East Bengal which remained in the bottom half with seven points from eight matches.

Referee’s strict vigil

Looking to gain precious points both the teams went full steam. The first session, however, would be remembered more for the strict vigil of referee K. Shankar, who flashed the yellow card on six players — three each from the two sides. There were seven bookings in all in the match.

The second session saw Bagan in a more assertive mode. The side switched to a three-man attack bringing in P. Lalawmpuia in place of midfielder S. Venkatesh in the 56th minute.

Defence pushed back

The moved proved good as the young and agile Lalawmpuia pushed back the East Bengal defence with his speedy forays. Needing an extra man to tackle, the East Bengal defence opened up decisively in the 61st minute when Barreto headed along a Douglas floater for Bhutia to slot home.

East Bengal, haunted by the prospect of a fourth consecutive loss, tried hard for the equaliser and created at least three clear chances. But the opportunities went waste as Brazilian Edmilson Marques twice and Ashim Biswas once missed the target from close quarters.

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