Vasco upset Bagan

Kolkata:

Stubbornly defending a first half lead, wooden spooners Vasco Sports Club, Goa, recorded an upset 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan in a ninth National Football League match here today. The visitors struck the all-important goal in the 25th minute through Alex Ambrose. They then staved off a sustained Bagan onslaught to earn their first win in the tournament and boost their points tally to five from nine matches. Ambrose's goal during the mediocre game at the Salt Lake stadium was, however, controversial, with the Bagan defenders claiming that Denis Cabral, who gave the final pass, was off side. Supremacy reigns Cabral, who received the ball from Menino Fernandes, set up Ambrose with a short pass and the latter re-directed the ball into the net on the run, sparking off protests from the local team. Bagan, who remained on 11 points from 10 games, enjoyed the lion's share of ball possession and maintained overall supremacy for most part of the match but failed to restore parity despite getting some good opportunities. Vasco goalkeeper Virender Singh proved a big stumbling block for the locals as he kept his cool to thwart several Bagan offensives and was adjudged man of the match. The woodwork also stood in the way of a Bagan goal in the 76th minute when Brazilian Beto's backheader following a Rennedy Singh corner crashed into the post and rebounded into play. Other Bagan players followed the ball but could not finish off. (PTI)