Mohun Bagan finished champion in the Kolkata premier division football league with a 2-2 draw against Mohammedan Sporting in their concluding engagement here today. However, Bagan's dream of maintaining an all-win record in the league did not materialise as the club dropped its first point in this edition of the league. Sporting take leadMohammedan Sporting started off brilliantly and went into a surprise 2-0 lead before Bagan fought back with a double strike during the exciting encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium. Veteran Raman Vijayan and Satyajit Bose were the scorers for the Sporting while Tomba Singh and Dipendu Biswas found the mark for Bagan. Sporting went ahead in the 31st minute when Vijayan headed into the net an Amjad Ali corner, much to the dismay of a large number of Bagan supporters at the stadium. The scoreline became 2-0 only four minutes later when Bose directed into the net a fine pass from man-of-the match Patrick. Bagan strike backBagan seemed rudderless following the double blow, but within a short time they pulled up their socks and carried out repeated raids to the Sporting citadel. A minute from half time Bagan's Rodrigue made a brilliant effort, but Sporting custodian Arindam Ghose managed to save the shot. However, the ball travelled only as far as Tomba whose shot went into the net of a Sporting defender.Having reduced the margin, Bagan went all out in the second session and levelled the issue in the 51st minute with Biswas scoring with a fine header. Thereafter, Bagan maintained pressure, but could not break the stalemate mainly because of a dour display from Sporting defence ably marshalled by Suley Musah. Sporting goalkeeper Arindam Ghose also brought off some good shaves. Bagan, who reclaimed the league title, finished with 40 points from 14 matches while Sporting had to be satisfied with only 23 points. (PTI)
Bagan champions in Kolkata football league
Advertisement