AIFF Media Team

LUDHIANA:  31 times Champions West Bengal defeated Assam 1-0 in Group A, while last year’s Champions Mizoram blanked Delhi 2-0 in Group B, in Day 3 of the 69^th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy held in Punjab.

In Group A, the clash between West Bengal and Assam witnessed a volatile affair as both sides fought vigorously for the win.

Assam started the proceedings on an offensive note, spearheaded by the trio of Manosh Manjit, Chetia and Suraj Mondal, but an alert Bengal defence nullified all their moves with astute acumen.

The West Bengal team came together for the winning goal in the 20^th minute when Defender Sagram Mandi initiated an emphatic move by releasing a through ball for the galloping Imran Khan. Imran Khan, after collecting the ball with utmost grace, released a defence splitting pass for Raja Das, who rocketed the ball into the back of the net.

West Bengal led 1-0 at the interval.

Assam’s constant raids over Bengal’s defence tasted success in the 83^rd minute when the referee awarded a penalty. Howbeit, Assam could not capitalize on the spot kick as Suraj Mondal’s effort flew inches over the bar.

After thwarting ravenous attacks initiated by Assam in the dying minutes of the match, West Bengal held on to their solitary goal and registered their first win of the Tournament.

In Group B, an inspired second half performance by last year’s Champions Mizoram toppled Delhi 2-0.

After a goalless first half, Mizoram’s Lalbiakaua latched on to a glorious opportunity in the 50^th minute and scored the first goal of the match.

Mizoram doubled their lead in the 85^th minute and settled the affair, as Lalrinpuia thunderous effort deceived Delhi’s Goalkeeper and found the back of the net.

The score-line stayed the same at the end of the match as Mizoram registered a comfortable win.