Dippendu keeps Bagan afloat

Kolkata, Feb 23 (UNI) Dippendu Biswas today gave Okorie Cheema the kind of start he was looking for when he shot home a late goal to give Mohun Bagan a much needed victory against Mohammedan Sporting to remain afloat in the NFL here.

The otherwise dull match suddenly sprung to life right in the dying minutes when Mohun Bagan, managed by their new coach Mr Cheema Okorie, started doing something that they didn't do earlier-attack from the flanks.

Lalkamal Bhowmik chased the ball and managed an acrobatic cross which was volleyed brilliantly by substitute Dippendu Biswas in the 89th minute.

Bhowmik, who has perhaps been the most consistent performer for the green-and-maroon brigade, was in fact the only player for his side who was making things happen.

Mohammedan Sporting, however, did not have a bad game as they were the ones who looked more capable of scoring. The combination of Guy Ndem and Preston Corporal could have proved lethal for Mohun Bagan had custodian Sangram Mukherjee not pull off some crucial saves.

It was a disappointing day for skipper Jose Ramirez Barreto as he missed reasonable chances. The other forward, Pachu Lalawmpuia was too quiet for an impression.

The win could not have come at a better time for Mohun Bagan when they are languishing in the relegation zone. Also, this will provide them with the confidence they need when they take on arch rivals East Bengal on Tuesday.

UNI