I-League 2018-19: 3 reasons why Mohun Bagan beat NEROCA FC
Full Time: Mohun Bagan 1-0 NEROCA FC
Scorer: Sony Norde (78')
Hero of the Match: Shilton Paul (GK - Mohun Bagan)
Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan's relentless attacking rewarded them crucial three points as they beat NEROCA FC 1-0 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Salt Lake on Saturday. After their 2-0 win against the defending champions Minerva Punjab FC at home, the Maroon and Greens registered their second consecutive win in Hero I-League 2018-19, under their new coach Khalid Jamil.
After today's encounter, Mohun Bagan crossed the 20-point mark and currently are in fifth position, with 21 points from their 13 outings. NEROCA FC are at the fourth place with 21 points, having played one match less than Mohun Bagan.
Khalid Jamil replaced Dalraj Singh with Kim Kima in the starting XI for today's match against NEROCA FC. This was the only change made by the Maroon and Greens coach to his side that defeated Minerva Punjab FC in their previous encounter.
On the other hand, NEROCA FC coach Manuel Fraile made no change to his side that won 3-2 against Shillong Lajong FC in their last encounter.
Let's have a look at the three major reasons, for what Mohun Bagan edged NEROCA FC out 1-0.
#3 Mohun Bagan keeper Shilton Paul appeared to be invincible
Though the Hero I-League 2017-18 runners up were a bit more dominant over the hosts in the first half, the 'Bagan's Falcon', Shilton Paul was brilliant enough between the sticks to protect his side today. Several magnificent saves by Shilton in the first half kept the Mariners alive in the match.
In the 26th minute of the match, Aryn Williams set a nice ball up for Subash Singh, who failed to find the back of the net beating Shilton. Again in the 39th minute, Malemnganba Meitei tried to beat the Bagan custodian from the right wing but failed to break the deadlock for NEROCA FC.
Shilton Paul was rewarded the Hero of the Match for his performance in today's match against NEROCA FC.