Baichung Bhutia’s brilliance sinks Mahindra

Mohun Bagan bounced back into the reckoning after registering their fifth win on the trot by prevailing over Mahindra United 1-0 in an ONGC I-league match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here.

The all important goal was netted by Indian captain and striker Baichung Bhutia in the 48th minute. Determined to earn full points, both the teams started on an even keel and exchanged attacks on each other.

Mahindra were unlucky not to score a goal in the 10th minute as Bagan defender Peter Odafe made a goal-line save off a fine attempt by rival medio Pradip who outwitted goalie Sangram Mukherjee. But, to Bagan’s relief Pradip’s shot went off after hitting Odafe’s leg.

The city giants had a chance to forge ahead three minutes before breather but medio Rakesh Masih’s shot went out after hitting keeper Subhasis Roy Choudhury.

However, Bagan did not have to wait long for the match winner which came three minutes after the change-over. This time, Baichung converted a half chance of Lal Kamal Bhowmik. Bagan dominated the proceedings for the rest of the match but could not increase the lead.

After the completion of tenth round, Bagan after this win is in the second spot in the league table with 18 points from 10 matches while Mahindra stayed put at nine points.