Kolkata, West Bengal: Sony Norde’s individual brilliance saw Mohun Bagan win their second game on the trot today at home. The game being played at the VYBK Stadium, Salt Lake, Kolkata saw some threatening moments for both the teams, but eventually, it was the hosts who sealed their name of the game with 1-0 win over NEROCA FC, with a 78th-minute super strike from Sony Norde.
Shilton Paul of Mohun Bagan was adjudged the Hero of the Match. With this win, Mohun Bagan are now placed 6th with 21 points while Neroca FC are 5th with as many points but with a better goal difference and a game less.
Fresh from a win against Minerva Punjab FC in their last game, Mohun Bagan, under the leadership of their new coach Khalid Jamil, pressed hard from the first minute, but Neroca FC defenders ensured that the hosts do not get any clear chance to score. As the game progressed Neroca FC started breaching the Mohun Bagan defensive line in short intervals, creating some threatening chances.
Subhash Singh and Malem, with support from Aryn Williams, and Felix Chidi, made things really difficult for Mohun Bagan but some good saves from Shilton Paul ensured that the hosts were not left trailing. Sony Norde and Dipanda Dicka tried to make a few threatening moves for Mohun Bagan but were unable to pass beyond the Neroca defensive line on most of the occasions bringing an end to the goalless first half.
The second half began with the hosts Mohun Bagan pressing hard to take a lead, but Neroca’s defence stood strong to deny them any clear chance. However, the second half did see Mohun Bagan more on the offensive, creating a lot of chances and keeping their opponents under pressure.
The closest that Mohun Bagan got to scoring was in the 60th minute when an outstanding pass from Sony Norde to Dipanda Dicka inside the Neroca box was beautifully blocked by Lalit Thapa, eventually denying a scoring opportunity to the hosts.
Neroca FC who looked a little low on the attacks in the second half did try to make a few attempts but a lack of a good finish eluded.
Mohun Bagan’s continuous attacks in the second half finally yielded them results when a great pass from Darren Caldeira to Sony Norde saw the Haitian forward make an outstanding solo run, eventually finding the back of the net and enforcing the much-awaited lead in the 78th minute of the game.
Neroca FC thereafter made a few attempts to score but Mohun Bagan defenders ensured that the hosts maintain their lead. The game finally came to an end with hosts Mohun Bagan defeating Neroca FC 1-0.
(I-League Media)