Bagan's 2-1 win vs E-Bengal keeps green maroon on top in Sahara L

Kolkata, Aug 5 (UNI) Riding on two quick goals by Mizo lad P C Lalwmpuiya in the second half, Mohun Bagan rallied from behind to fashion a thrilling 2-1 victory over arch rival East Bengal in Sahara Premier Football league here today.

Alvito D Cunha took East Bengal into the lead on the 18th minute when his rasping side-volley from Nirmal Chettry's a cross went home, defeating Sangram Mukherjee (1-0).

Lady luck did not smile on East Bengal as Edmilson's pilediver was brilliantly fisted out by Bagan custodian Sangram Mukherjee on the eighth minute.

After the goal, the players lost their cool and the match was marred by frayed temper for sometime. Referee Mrinanshu Bhattacharjee had to flash yellow cards to six players of both teams - Nirmal Chettri, Saumik Dey, Shylo Malsawmtluanga, Lalwmpuiya, Arnab Das and Sangram Mukherjee.

Stung by the goal, Mohun Bagan, looking for straight sixth win at Yuva Bharati Krinangan over their bitterst rival, went all out to make forays into the rival forte.

Lal Kamal Bhowmick's arrival in place of James Singh on the 70th minute probably paved the way for Bagan's bouncing back into the game. His corner kick two minutes later got Lalwmpuiya inside the box and the latter made no mistake in restoring parity for the green and maroon brigade (1-1).

Ten minutes later, Lalwmpuia shot home again latching on to Bhowmick's corner (2-1). The goal gave Mizo boy the honours of scoring the highest six goals in the first leg of this premier league. He was also adjudged MoM of the day.

His winning goal also ensured Mohun Bagan to retain pole position with 16 points from seven matches and flung East Bengal to distant 11 points also from seven matches.

Both had completed their first leg engagement in the league.

Mohammedan Sporting, who had to play a match in the first leg have also 13 points.

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