I-League: Bengaluru FC record maiden win

File Photo: Bengaluru FC

Bangalore: It was a stroll in the park for Bengaluru FC as they hammered newly-promoted Rangdajied United from Shillong 3-0 for their first win in the Airtel I-League football tournament here Sunday.

Goals by John Johnson (33rd), Sean Rooney (57th) and skipper Sunil Chhetri (67th) set up Bengaluru’s runaway win while the visitors, winners of second division last season, looked clearly out of depth and barring a few stray moves, had little to show for their efforts.

BFC, thus took their tally to four points after two home matches, having drawn 1-1 with Kolkata’s Mohun Bagan a week back, while Rangdajied United fell to their second straight defeat, having lost 0-2 to United SC in Kolkata.

BFC made their intentions clear from the outset as they virtually camped in Rangdajied territory with attacks flowing thick and fast. However, the visitors showed some measure of pluck to repel the raids.

The home team had a couple of clear chances, but past the 13th minute, Johnson headed wide of the target from a set piece, and then Keegan Pereira muffed a good opportunity after he was set up by Chhetri. The left-footer by Pereira swirled wide of the post in the 21st.

BFC did manage to find the back of the net through Rooney in the 27th, but the Aussie striker was pulled up for off-side and Rangdajied just about survived. A little later the visitors had a close shave as defender Ambilstar Sunn effected a goal-line clearance.

The home team’s persistence finally paid off when Johnson rose tall in the box to head home a corner kick by Beikhokhei Beingaichho in the 33rd minute to put BFC 1-0 ahead, a lead they nursed to half-time.

On resumption, Rangdajied showed a bit more spirit and nearly struck the equaliser in the 52nd minute when Edmar Figuiera picked up a stray ball inside the BFC box on the right and tried to squeeze a shot between goalkeeper Pawan Kumar and the near post. The custodian dived to his left to collect much to BFC’s relief.

BFC then went on the attack and Rooney made it 2-0 with a diving header off Beingaichho’s low cross from the right that left the Rangdajied defence in total disarray.

Carrying the momentum forward, BFC struck again in the 67th minute, this time Chhetri slipping in from the outside to put home Rooney’s well-timed pass for the third goal that effectively sealed Rangdajied’s fate.