By IANS,
Kolkata : Former champions Mohun Bagan extended their winning run to 10 matches on the trot with a 1-0 win over city rivals Mohammedan Sporting to remain atop the table in the second ONGC I-League here Sunday.
Lukram James Singh scored a fortuitous goal in the 14th minute to ensure three points for Bagan that have so far logged 33 points – two clear of the closest challengers Sporting Clube de Goa – from 15 outings.
On the other hand, Sporting remained deep in the relegation zone, having managed only 13 points from 15 matches. They are now in the 11th slot in the 12-team league where the last two sides are slated to be demoted to the second division.
The all important goal came when a James Singh left-footer deflected off the body of Sporting’s Gurpreet Singh and entered the net, leaving goalkeeper Naism Akhtar completely unsighted.
However, despite the result, Sporting were the better side on view, as they organised good moves that kept the Bagan defenders on tenterhooks. But Sporting lost out as their forwards seemed in deep waters once inside the penetrative zone.
However, they did get some rosy chances.
At the half-hour mark, Mike Okoro crossed from the right, but Suraj Mondal headed over.
Two minutes from the half-time whistle, the Sporting duo was again on the move, as Suraj Mondal released Okoro, only to see the Nigerian shoot over.
In between, Bagan got a chance, with Jose Barreto setting up Ishfaq Ahmed, but the latter shot straight to Akhtar.
Both teams tried to carry out attacks into the opponent deep defence in the second session, but could not create clear chances.
Sporting central defender Sheikh Azim was adjudged man of the match.