HERO I-LEAGUE: Norde magic helps Bagan down Neroca FC

by Vineet Varma January 13, 2019

Kolkata, January 12, 2019: Sony Norde’s superb strike made the difference as Mohun Bagan ran out 1-0 winners against Neroca FC at the VYBK Stadium on Saturday.

It was Bagan’s second successive win at home under coach Khalid Jamil. Though both teams had their chances still Norde’s 78th-minute goal sealed the deal.

The Kolkata side are placed sixth in the 12th Hero I-League table and are level on points with Neroca (fifth). It may be noted that Neroca have a better goal difference (and a game in hand) than Bagan. Bagan, who beat Minerva Punjab in the last game, pressed hard from the start but were denied by resolute defending.

Neroca too had their chances as they breached the home team’s defence in short intervals. Despite Subhash Singh and Malem (supported by Aryn Williams and Felix Chidi) being a constant threat goalkeeper Shilton Paul ensured that Bagan kept a clean sheet.

Norde and Dipanda Dicka threatened Neroca at times but the visitors held firm at the back. The first-half ended goalless.

A similar script panned out in the second as Neroca held on despite Bagan pounding at the doors. The home team attacked relentlessly to keep the visitors under pressure. Bagan lost a gilt-edged chance when Norde’s superb pass to Dicka was blocked by Lalit Thapa inside the Neroca box at the hour mark. Neroca in contrast lacked the much-needed bite in front of goal.

They soon caved in as Norde scored. The Haitian made a superb solo run on the back of Darren Caldeira’s fine pass before applying the finish. Bagan later snuffed out Neroca’s chances to ensure that the game finished at 1-0.

Mohun Bagan’s Shilton Paul was adjudged the ‘Hero of the Match’.

Also Read: HERO I-LEAGUE: Bagan down Minerva to stay alive in title race

Also Read: Tricky but still very possible! A look at India’s Knockout round chances

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