I-League: Sony Norde the saviour as Mohun Bagan down NEROCA

Sony Norde came to the rescue for Mohun Bagan once again as his side edged past title contenders and one of the northeastern heavyweights NEROCA F.C. at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday. The Haitian forward's effort off a solo run in the 79th minute of the game piercing through the NEROCA defence after receiving a well directed ball from his teammate Darren Caldeira. This 1-0 victory takes Bagan (5th) ahead of city rivals East Bengal(6th) in the I-League points table with 21 points from 13 games.

Both teams tried and tested the opposition's defence but failed to break through on each occasion. With new coach Khalid Jamil taking over the reigns from Sankarlal Chakrabarty, Bagan had a nervy start as visitors NEROCA seemed more aggressive of the two sides and had also won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Imphal. Wanting to avoid defeat to the same rivals on both occasions, the Mariners looked to stabilize the situation and dominate proceedings and managed to get the solitary goal in the late second half.

This would be a much needed win for Bagan ahead of the return leg of the Kolkata derby on 27th January. NEROCA meanwhile are in the 4th position with 21 points from 12 games.