Mohun Bagan big wins against local clubs continued with another emphatic win, which eased the pressure on the new chief coach Satyajit Chatterjee.
Bagan fans was justifiably euphoric when they got Satyajit as the chief Coach, but the challenge for the team now is to build on this with Kolkata and iLeague wins.
As such, Bagan’s sizeable win could not have come at a better time for Satyajit, who despite his low profile over his position must have been feeling the heat when Bagan drew with Mohammedan Sporting.
Bagan, who had lost 2-3 to Chirag in their first meeting in this league, displayed an all-round development and utilised the opportunities that came their way in the first half. Chirag, who started the league campaign with a bright note and were at the second spot in the league table till this match, failed to live up to the expectations and their defence crumbled whenever there was any pressure in the first half which virtually decided the fate of the match. With this victory, Bagan joined Chirag at the third spot with both having 23 points from 14 matches. Dempo are now leading the table, followed by Mahindra United, who have gathered 25 points from 14 games so far.
From the moment Jose Barreto scored to put Bagan ahead in the 17th minute from a penalty given by referee due to foul on Manju in the penalty box, the outcome was never in doubt, the only question the size of the winning margin, with Bagan in rampant mood.
Chidi steered the ball in 27th minute at the far post from a Sueoka pass .
Chirag players were awful and found themselves staring at a humiliating defeat after conceding a further two goals before the half-hour.
In the 34th minute Barreto seized on a Marcos corner and converted it to 3-0.
Chidi scored his second in the 42nd minute from a square pass from Sueoka (4-0). The goal was scored from 20° angle by the Nigerian striker.
Barreto scored the fifth and completed his hat-trick just before the lemon break from a nice pass from Chidi(5-0).
When the half-time whistle came, Chirag’s shattered players began to walk towards the touchline.
In the 2nd half it was just a regulation 45 minutes, no such urge for Mariners to score more goals, yet Chiddi’s long ranger from 25 yards hit the side post and Sueoka missed a easy chances. Nevertheless Somnath Khanra saved also couple of sure goals.
In the 89th minute Joshimer pushed Surkumar down and got hold of the ball. When every body was thinking of a justifiable foul in favour of Bagan – Joshimer pushed the ball into the net and the confused referee took some time and then decided that its a goal! However the Chirag coach found some consolation at least.
It is significant that is the first time when Mariners were in almost full strength and showed a football which cannot be forgotten. New coach Satyajit has brought some fresh air in the dressing room which helped the players a lot to perform their best. Each of Bagan fan will now hope for more and for title.
Barreto was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Team Mohun Bagan: Sangram, Surkumar, Deepak, Azim (Masih), Manju, James (Kulu), Sueoka, Marcos, Ishfaq (Snehasis), Barreto, Chidi