IMPHAL (Manipur): Former I-League champions Mohun Bagan inched closer towards their second title with a 3-1 victory over debutants Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) here on Sunday.
Spaniard Fran Gonzalez scored his 10th goal of the season, converting a penalty successfully while compatriot Joseba Beitia and Senegalese striker Papa Babacar Diawara netted a goal each.
Nigerian Joel Sunday pulled one back for the hosts.
This was Bagan’s seventh win on the trot and extended their unbeaten run to 12 games. It also took them to 35 points after 14 games which opened up a 13-point advantage over second-placed Punjab FC.
TRAU, with 16 points from 15 games, remained locked in a relegation battle with city rivals Neroca FC and Aizawl FC.
Bagan took early lead when Komron Tursunov was adjudged to have been tripped inside the box by Dhanchandra Meetei. Gonzalez converted from the spot with consummate ease.
Beitia added the second in the 22nd minute with a delightful right-footer that beat goalkeeper Sayan Roy.
Diawara increased the lead a minute later after he was set up Tursunov. The former Sevilla striker scored his eighth goal in as many matches with a delectable finish.
Aizawl FC still in relegation zone
In Srinagar, relegation-threatened Aizawl FC pulled off a spectacular come-from-behind 2-2 draw against Real Kashmir at the TRC Ground on Saturday.
The Snow Leopards were given the lead by Scotsman Mason Robertson in the first half and it was looking quite comfortable for the hosts after Englishman Kallum Higginbotham doubled the lead at the beginning of the second.
However, young Rochharzela had other ideas for the visitors — coming up with a double-strike in the space of three minutes to stun the home supporters present in the stands.
Kashmir join the likes of Chennai City and Churchill Brothers on 19 points to enter the top five at least momentarily after 13 games while Aizawl secure a crucial point to climb just above the relegation zone with 16 points from 14 games. (Source: AIFF)
