JOIN USThe qualifiers from Pune continued their unbeaten run in the last seven matches as Mohun Bagan could not score a goal with their ace striker Jose Ramirez Barreto missing his partner Edeh Chidi sorely.
In Chidi’s absence, coach Satyajit Chatterjee played Ryuji Sueoka in the forward line but the Japanese recruit was lacklustre and could not make use of the supply by Barreto.
Marcos Pereira too had some fine chances but the Brazilian too made a mess of them.
For Pune FC, Subrata Pal impressed under the bar as the India goalkeeper was adjudged Man of the Match for his fine saves.
Minutes after the changeover, Pal thwarted a James Singh back-volley.
Mohun Bagan had the best chance in the 86th minute but Marcos Pereira failed to put the ball into an open goal.
The I-League runners-up now have 24 points, while Pune FC are one point adrift after 15 matches.
Meanwhile in Ludhiana, JCT survived a scare against Salgaocar SC Goa as they played out a 1-1 draw.
JCT surged ahead in the 48th minute through a header by N Hennery. The Goan outfit scored the equaliser in the 69th minute when E Fernandes gave a parallel pass to EM Ikenwa who sent an angular header into the net.
With this draw, JCT are in 10th with 18 points while Salgaocar remain in 12th with 15 points.