Nine men Bharat FC claim 2-0 win over Salgaocar FC for first ever I-League triumph

Nine-men Bharat FC got past Goan giants Salgaocar FC with ease at the Balewadi Stadium in a I-League Round 7 game on Sunday evening. The game ended 2-0 in favour of the debutantes, and they collect their first three points from a game this season.

Subhash Singh drew the first blood for Bharat FC in the 23rd minute, following an assist from Kris Bright. The ball was delivered by Lester Fernandes from the corner, and Bright's stinger came off rival keeper Subrata Pal. On the rebound, Subhash made no errors in slotting the ball home comfortably.

Off to additional time in the first 45 minutes, and Kris Bright doubled the lead for his side following a spot kick, earned after a foul by custodian Subrata on him inside the box. Bright made no mistake in sinking the penalty in.

Bharat FC substitute midfielder Vignesh Gunashekar and then defender Ravanan Dharmaraj collected two yellows each and were asked to leave the field during the second session.

Salgaocar had their chance to pull a goal back in the dying minutes, but Douhou Pierre missed the penalty. Arindam Bhattacharya stayed still and caught the ball – which came straight at him – comfortably, signifying that it was just not the Goan outfit's day.

Bharat FC now move into the 10th spot with five points ahead of Sporting Goa, while Salgaocar FC remain put in 6th position.