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Full Time: Mohun Bagan 1-0 NEROCA FC
Scorer: Sony Norde (78')
Hero of the Match: Shilton Paul (GK - Mohun Bagan)
Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan's relentless attacking rewarded them crucial three points as they beat NEROCA FC 1-0 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Salt Lake on Saturday. After their 2-0 win against the defending champions Minerva Punjab FC at home, the Maroon and Greens registered their second consecutive win in Hero I-League 2018-19, under their new coach Khalid Jamil.
After today's encounter, Mohun Bagan crossed the 20-point mark and currently are in fifth position, with 21 points from their 13 outings. NEROCA FC are at the fourth place with 21 points, having played one match less than Mohun Bagan.
Khalid Jamil replaced Dalraj Singh with Kim Kima in the starting XI for today's match against NEROCA FC. This was the only change made by the Maroon and Greens coach to his side that defeated Minerva Punjab FC in their previous encounter.
On the other hand, NEROCA FC coach Manuel Fraile made no change to his side that won 3-2 against Shillong Lajong FC in their last encounter.
Let's have a look at the three major reasons, for what Mohun Bagan edged NEROCA FC out 1-0.
#3 Mohun Bagan keeper Shilton Paul appeared to be invincible
Though the Hero I-League 2017-18 runners up were a bit more dominant over the hosts in the first half, the 'Bagan's Falcon', Shilton Paul was brilliant enough between the sticks to protect his side today. Several magnificent saves by Shilton in the first half kept the Mariners alive in the match.
In the 26th minute of the match, Aryn Williams set a nice ball up for Subash Singh, who failed to find the back of the net beating Shilton. Again in the 39th minute, Malemnganba Meitei tried to beat the Bagan custodian from the right wing but failed to break the deadlock for NEROCA FC.
Shilton Paul was rewarded the Hero of the Match for his performance in today's match against NEROCA FC.
#2 Mohun Bagan's relentless attacking paid dividends
Though the Mariners knew very well that it would be challenging for them to slice open NEROCA's defence, they continued to penetrate the opponent defence ceaselessly from the very beginning.
In the 6th minute of the match, Khalid Jamil's men got their first opportunity to capitalize when Eduardo missed a ball in the defence and Dicka got the advantage. Elhusseiny made a pinpoint cross inside NEROCA box after getting the ball from Dicka but Darren Caldeira failed to head the ball properly.
In the 8th minute, another chance was created but Yuta Kinowaki's shot went straight to the NEROCA keeper, Lalit Thapa.
NEROCA FC were gaining their rhythm back gradually until Henry Kisekka came on the pitch, replacing Omar Elhusseiny. Mohun Bagan again started their penetrating football as Dicka got another chance in the 59th minute but failed to beat NEROCA goalie in a one on one battle.
Darren Caldeira got a golden opportunity again in the 74th minute as Henry Kisekka gifted him a nice ball from Faiaz's cross but he failed to connect the ball properly for the second time and wasted the chance.
Finally in the 78th minute of the match, Sony Norde, the 'Savior' broke the deadlock for the Mariners. NEROCA keeper Lalit Thapa failed to deny Norde's powerful right-footer as the Mariners took their desired 1-0 lead which they maintained until the referee blew the final whistle.
#1 Sony Norde wins it for the Mariners
"Love him or hate him, you cannot stop him!" - Pulasta Dhar, commentator.
Sony Norde is one man who is always there to save Mohun Bagan and also in today's match, he continued to showcase his class, why he is the 'nightmare' for the opponent. A great solo run and a goal - the Mariners got their much-awaited victorious goal in the 78th minute.
Earlier in the second half, Sony Norde gifted Aser Dipanda Dicka with a great through pass but Dicka failed to utilize that. A brilliant block by NEROCA keeper denied Dicka to make the scoreline 1-0 for the Mariners.
A few minutes later, after getting the ball from Darren Caldeira, Norde made some space for himself and fired the ball from just outside NEROCA box which was not possible to be denied by Lalit Thapa. The late goal from the 'Haitian Magician' ensured crucial three points for Mohun Bagan at home against NEROCA FC.
