I-League Media Team

KOLKATA: Denson Devadas retunred to the starting lineup for Mohun Bagan in place of the injured Lalkamal Bhowmick. Meanwhile Sanjoy Sen persisted with Anwar Ali and Bello Rasaq in the centre of the defense while Pritam Kotal was drafted in at Right Back.

Stuart Watkiss meanwhile had to bring in Subash Singh in place of the injured Lester Fernandes. Mehrajuddin Wadoo returned to the starting lineup at Right Back as Kris Bright started up front.

MohunBagan had a pop at goal in the 15th minute off a Sony Norde corner. Denson Devadas jumped the highest to meet the delivery but only managed to head it over.

In a half devoid of many attacking chances, it came to life in the 40th minute when Balwant Singh was sent on his way after a Denson lofted through ball. Arindam Bhattacharya however read the situation well as he came out of his line and headed the ball out of danger with Balwant giving chase.

On the counter, Bharat too had their best chance of the half  as Subash Singh held the ball well before laying it off to Kris Bright whose shot from outside the box was just wide, with Debjit Majumder at full stretch.

In first half added time, MohunBagan had a shout for a penalty after Katsumi Yusa was shoved in the box by former Mariner, Syed Rahim Nabi. The referee however decided to book the Japanese for simulation.

Although the start to the second half  emulated the first, the game came back to life near the hour mark. It first started with Balwant Singh going down in the box after being pulled back by Omar Jarun but the referee waved play on in spite of the vehement protests by the Bagan faithful.

On the counter, Kris Bright had a chance for the Lions but he could only head Steven Dias’s cross onto Anwar Ali.

The Mariners finally found the elusive goal in the 62nd minute after Sehnaj Singh picked out Sony Norde down the left with a pin point long ball. The Haitian left Wadoo for dead, before giving Gouramangi the shoulder and then proceeded to smash it past Arindam’s near post.

It got even better for Sony and MohunBagan when seven minutes later, Sony had his second.  A short freekick allowed PritamKotal to play it towards Katsumi who found Balwant with a perfect through ball. Balwant skipped past the sliding challenge of Omar Jarun before sending a teasing cross across the face of the goal. Arindam’s touch only managed to send it on to the path of Norde who effortlessly tapped it into goal.