Bagan tighten grip

Saibal BoseÃ?CALCUTTA, March 9: An Uncharacteristic effortless Chima Okrerie free-kick in the ninth minute of the game was the only t...

Saibal BoseÃ?CALCUTTA, March 9: An Uncharacteristic effortless Chima Okrerie free-kick in the ninth minute of the game was the only thing that mattered in the end. The ball floated in the gentle breeze for a while before curving and entering the net after brushing JCT goalkeeper Arvind Kumar’s fingers.

That was the only goal of the match and Mohun Bagan inched closer to the Philips National Football League title, collecting three points at the Salt Lake Stadium here today. However, no one among the motley crowd of Bagan fans were under any illusions later. JCT was the superior side today and will consider themselves unlucky for not having won the match.

Although most of the performers were among the JCT ranks, Bagan goalkeeper Hemant Dora was once again outstanding. He must have effected at least a dozen saves and the cross-piece too came to Bagan’s rescue twice. The home side did escape by the skin of their teeth, but the irony lies in the fact that the ghost of relegation is still staring JCT right atthe face.

The Nigerians in the JCT side were a class apart today. Stephen Abarowei was just unstoppable. With a bit more support in the first half, he might well have nullified the Okerie strike. After, Abdul Latif Seriki was brought on the field in the second-half, the JCT domination was complete. Along with Emeka Achilefu, the three Nigerians made the Bagan defence dance to their tunes and had it not been for Dora, Bagan might well have conceded a number of goals after the break.