CFL 2018/19: Mohun Bagan underline title credentials
2 min read
KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan showed just why they are firm contenders to lift the Calcutta Premier Division ‘A’ title after thrashing Food Corporation of India (FCI) 5-0 on Thursday at Mohun Bagan ground.
The big win was powered by a hat-trick from Aser Dipanda Dicka (45+2′, 61′ & 67′) – his second in the campaign – along with goals from Tirthankar Sarkar (73′) and Lalchhawnkima (84′), which meant Mohun Bagan remain on the top of the log standings with 23 points from 9 games.
Mohun Bagan dominated proceedings from the very beginning and kept the ball in the rival half itself during the opening quarter. However, with the FCI defense staying deep, Mohun Bagan were finding it tough to penetrate.
On the other hand, FCI who were pressed back for the majority of the half, did well to absorb the pressure and looked dangerous on the few times they attacked.
Nonetheless, Mohun Bagan almost took the lead when Sourav Das pumped up a ball from the midfield in the 17th minute. The perfect pass found Azharuddin Mallick on the run just outside the box, but the winger’s effort went agonisingly wide.
However, Mohun Bagan kept pressing and were rewarded with the opening goal in additional time when Dipanda slotted past FCI goalkeeper Dhananjoy Adhikari from close to give his side the lead going into the breather.
At the start of the second-half, Mohun Bagan coach Sankarlal Chakraborty brought in Pintu Mahata and Tirthankar replacing Azaharuddin and Britto PM to add more fire power upfront.
It was evident from the start of the second-half that Mohun Bagan were going to collect full points as the FCI players were outclassed in all departments and Mariners duly doubled their lead in the 61st minute as Dipanda scored with a header at the far post off Arjit Bagui’s inch perfect cross in from the right.
The goal gave Mohun Bagan confidence as they pushed up in numbers and they added their their third six minute later when Dipanda’s glancing header from Pintu’s left sided cross found the perfect angle at the left hand post to beat Dhananjoy.
To compound the woes of FCI, midfielder Lakshmi Kanta Dey rashly challenged Dipanda without the ball in the 72nd minute. The red card inevitably came out, and the FCI side were three goals and one man down with 18 minutes to go.
Mohun Bagan made full use of their numerical advantage as Tirthankar increased the lead further after striking from a free-kick in the very next minute.
Thereafter, Mohun Bagan didn’t take their foot off the accelerator and continued to dominate proceedings but had to wait till the 84th minute to get their fifth when Lalchhawnkima head home from Tirthankar’s corner to make it 5-0.
