Mohun Bagan triumph in an intense derby encounter

by Chittu Shetty May 15, 2017

Goal’s on either side of the break ensured Mohun Bagan booked a finals date with Bengaluru FC in the federation cup for the sixth meeting of the season

Goals from Darryl Duffy (35’) and Balwant Singh (84’) were enough to send Mohun Bagan into the final of the Federation Cup after a 2-0 victory over arch-rivals East Bengal at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack on Sunday. Mariners will now face Bengaluru FC for the sixth time in three months.

Mariners started with Balwant Singh and Darryl Duffy up front while Anas Edathodika and Eduardo Ferreira manned the defence, playmakers Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde started out wide. At the other end Red and gold’s had Subhasish Roy Chowdhury starting between the goal post while Willis Plaza started up top.

Game began at a quick pace with East Bengal creating better chances. In the 8^th minute, Willis Plaza failed to turn in a splendid cross from Rafique. Bikash Jairu looked in an impressive form sending in some dangerous crosses from wings.

At the other end, Mohun Bagan saw a Sony Norde freekick brought out a flying save from Chowdhury. Mohan Bagan soon began to grow in confidence and finally in the 35th minute came the opening goal. Against the run of play, Sony Norde delivered a splendid cross which Duffy duly obliged with by heading it in to the net as the East Bengal defence watched helplessly. Both sides went into the break with Bagan leading the derby encounter by a solitary goal.

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Second half began with the Red and Gold’s starting aggressively in search of an equaliser. Willis Plaza saw his shot well saved by Debjit with the rebound cleared away. East Bengal continued to look for chances and just past the hours mark, Mohammad Rafique wasted a golden chance after he blasted wide a shot with the goal at his mercy that came to him through a poor header from Anas.

East Bengal continued wasting their chances making it comfortable for Mohan Bagan. Both goalkeepers had a busy day though with their saves, Debjit Majumder had to bring out his best to prevent a Willis plaza header, while at the other end, Subasish had to produced one from the ensuing corner.

With six minutes remaining in the game, East Bengal payed for their profligacy as Mohun Bagan produced the killer blow. The Mariners’ skipper Katsumi Yusa sent in a cross into the box which was converted by a brilliant scissor kick from Balwant Singh.

The game ended with the marines winning by a two goal margin although it will be East Bengal who would rue missing the many chances that came their way.  Sanjoy Sen’s team will now face Bengaluru FC for the final of the federation cup with a chance to sign off with silverware.