CALCUTTA, JAN 28: Unfancied Jagatjit Cotton Textile Mills of Phagwara stunned reigning champions Mohun Bagan 2-1 in a Group A National Football League match at the Salt Lake Stadium here today. An 85th minute goal by JCT substitute Sukhjit Singh left the Bagan fans completely stunned at a stage when Bagan were heading for a draw.Bagan in fact, started off strongly, going into the attack from the very beginning. However, a more determined performance by the Phagwara side, who had won the first edition of the National Football League, saw them cause the biggest upset so far.Bagan got the first strike in the 30th minute with Khentang Paite scoring off a well measured cross from the left by Lolendro Singh. Paite only had to deflect the ball past JCT goalkeeper Virender Singh, who had failed to read Lolendro's cross in the first place, and had missed the flight completely. Lolendro Singh, who normally warms the Bagan benches, was inexplicably substituted soon after creating the goal.Bagan could hold on totheir lead for six minute only before JCT equalised through striker Jasbir Singh. Receiving a pass from midfielder Hardip Saini at the second post, Jasbir Singh headed in without having to utilise too much effort. In fact, he had been left unguarded by the Bagan defence.The Sukhjit Singh strike came at a time when it was least expected. Again, Hardip Saini initiated the move from the midfield, passing on to Dipankar Roy. The TFA pass-out moved up before passing to Sukhjit inside the box, who had replaced Hardip Gill earlier. Sukhjit positioned himself well before heading JCT's second goal.Bagan thus remain at seven points after six matches while JCT join group leaders Tollygunge Agragami with nine points after playing as many matches. Tollygunge have played a game less and will face Air India in the return tie.
