A solitary goal from Eugeneson Lyngdoh ensured Benagluru FC continued their journey to the top as they edged out newcomers Bharat FC 1-0 in their I-League encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Sunday.
The win meant the reigning champions moved to sixth on the table with seven points, while the Pune-based team with just a point to their name, were reduced to 10th spot in an 11-team table.
A pre-match injury to Sean Rooney forced BFC coach Ashley Westwood to combine Indian internationals Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh with Beikhokhei Bengaichho upfront in a 4-3-3 formation.
Bharat also effected few changes to their playing XI as Bengaluru boy, Lester Feranndes came in for Jayasheelan Prasad, while veteran Steven Dias made way to Rajinder Kumar in the midfield.
New recruit, Syed Rahim Nabi got his first start for Bharat as James Singh was restricted to the bench in a 4-4-2 set-up. Still in search of their first win at home, the Blue Brigade started the game with the right intent.
But that urgency could have hurt them in the first minute itself. Osano’s back pass at the edge of the penalty box found a free Kris Bright. But the Kiwi squandered an easy opportunity to give his side a dream start.
Minutes later, the visitors once again came close to taking the lead. This time Bharat’s marquee signing Romuald Boco found an unmarked Fernandes 12 yards from the goal. The local boy sent in a fierce strike just for the keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte to make a regulation save in the 11th minute.
Bengaluru too missed a host of opportunities. Robin found Chhetri 12 yards from the goal, but the Indian captain could only found keeper Arindam Bhattacharya with a weak shot.
The second half panned out in a similar fashion with both teams exchanging possession often. But a change in personnel post the break helped the home team found their rhythm.
C K Vineeth who was introduced in place of Bengaichho in the 61st minute proved his quality as he kept the right flank busy with his darting runs and probing crosses. Soon the Kerala lad paved way for the only goal of the tie.
Walker’s delightful through ball on the right set Vineeth on the run who in turn found the in-from Eugeneson at the edge of the box. The 28-year-old Shillong boy made no mistake in finding the target. It was his third goal of the season and also send the home crowd into raptures.
Goa hold Mumbai
In another match, let down by poor finishing, Mumbai FC drew 0-0 with Sporting Clube de Goa in their first home game at the refurbished Cooperage Football Stadium.
The Mumbai club was positive in its approach and enjoyed domination throughout the match but was forced to share honours with the visiting side as they squandering many chances.
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