JOIN USLeaders Bengaluru FC blanked Mohun Bagan 2-0 to go four points clear at the top of the table and inch closer to the title after their round 24 I-League fixture at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday.
Thoi Singh put the visitors in front at the stroke of half-time while Sean Rooney doubled the lead in the 60th minute to help Bengaluru restore their four-point lead at the top.
The home side enjoyed a lot of possession in the opposition half but they never really tested BFC custodian Pawan Kumar.
The table-toppers, on the other hand, lacked penetration from open play and only looked dangerous from crosses with Bagan keeper Shilton Paul having to come out and punch clear twice.
As the half progressed, both teams struggled physically due to the hot and humid conditions but The Blues broke the deadlock just before half-time.
A needless back-header by Denson Devadas sent Rooney behind the Bagan backline and the Australian’s cross from the right flank was headed into the back of the net by Thoi.
Mohun Bagan were forced to replace Shilton at the interval due to injury with veteran Sandip Nandy coming on.
The home side’s first real effort of the match was a shot from Katsumi Yusa that missed the target. BFC did not really get going in the second half but doubled their advantage at the hour mark as Rooney latched on to a mishit clearance from Sandip and found the back of the net with a well-placed shot.
Sporting held
Sporting Clube de Goa rallied to hold Churchill Brothers to a 1-1 draw at Margao.
Churchill Brothers, who needed a victory badly in their quest to avoid relegation, took the lead through Anthony Wolfe in the 72nd minute, while Boima Karpeh levelled proceedings in the 80th minute.