Super Bagan win in style

But the Churchill defenders paid for underestimating the rest of Bagan players in the 22nd minute. It was a repeat from defender NS Manju of what had happened during Bagan’s victory over Dempo a couple of weeks ago. Senior James’s cross was deflected by a defender as Bhaichung and Barreto looked on helplessly. NS Manju,unmarked,headed in through the top-left corner,leaving Churchill goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya hooked to the centre. This was the fourth time — after JCT,Vasco and Dempo — Manju had scored this season. It hasn’t quite become a habit though. “It’s more of a duty for a defender to move in for the set-pieces. We have better idea of the aerial ball than the strikers. Remaining unmarked only helps. Had it not been me it would have been somebody else. I don’t mind as long as the team wins,” said Manju.

Manju’s act,however,was short-lived as Churchill,after some desperate moves from Odafe and Felix,levelled and though Reisangmi Vashum found his name on the scoresheet,the damage was again done by a Bagan defender. An on-rushing Deepak Mondal carried on the momentum and,with it,the ball into the net trying to clear Vashum’s strike.

Barreto’s last-gasp winner,though,helped Bagan ended the season on a high.