New Delhi: Mohun Bagan registered their first points of the season with a much needed 2-0 victory over Viva Kerala in a third round I-League clash at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
Goals from Snehashish Chakraborty and Mahish M sealed the fate for the home side as they brushed past the promoted outfit.
The first chance befell the home side when some fine interplay between James Singh and Surkumar ended with the latter's cross saw Chidi head it wide.
Viva Kerala didn't show the nervousness of playing in the big league as Reuben Senyo had a shy on goal inside the first ten minutes.
Snehashish Chakraborty justified his selection in the starting line-up as he made a surging run on the left to cut back for an unmarked Chidi who couldn't control the ball inside the box.
James Singh's run ended in finding Chidi just outside the box who turned his marker but his shot was intercepted for a corner.
A long clearance finds Reuben who shruggs off Rakesh Masih but an alert Sangram Mandi clears the ball. The Viva striker did well to keep the Bagan backline under check throughout.
Snehashish's cross from the left saw Sarath's punch being headed straight into the latter's hands by Chidi Edeh.
Mohun Bagan should have taken the lead going into the break if not for Chidi who shot it over from eight yards after Marcos flicked it for him.
The Mariners were rewarded for their efforts as Surkumar Singh hammered in a shot which Sarath couldn't collect cleanly. Snehashish picked up the pieces to tap in the rebound.
Following the goal, the Green and Maroons showed a renewed vigour which was absent in their play for most parts however, Chidi's luck in front of the goal didn't.
Ishfaq Ahmed should have doubled the lead after Snehashish Chakraborty fed him from the left but the Kashmiri couldn't get a second touch.
Reuben had a brilliant chance to equalise after Mohun Bagan failed to clear their lines but the Viva striker sends it over under pressure from Marcos.
In the injury tiime, Chidi latched onto a defensive clearance and from the outside of his foot sent in a ball across which ably slotted home by susbtitute Manish.
Viva Kerala would have to re-think their strategies and wonder what would take from them in order to pose a challenge in the I-League. Mohun Bagan shall be relieved with the victory after all the negativity around their club in the last few weeks.
Goalscorers Mohun Bagan: Snehash Chakraborty (52nd min) and Manish M (90 + 3 min)
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