Substitute Robin Singh turned out to be the hero of the match as his 50th minute strike powered Bengaluru FC to a 1-0 win over Shillong lajong in the Group "B" league match of the Hero Federation Cup, here on Friday.
The win today takes Bengaluru FC on top of the table with 7 points from three matches and put them in strong position for a place in the semi-final.
Shillong lajong who have lost all their three matches are at the bottom and out of reckoning for the semi-finals berth. Both the teams played entertaining game at Tilak Stadium.
Bengaluru FC who had the early domination with C K Vineeth looking dangerous on the right flank as he came close to scoring in the 17th minute but his shot was tipped over by the goalkeeper Bhutia.
Shillong lajong took time to settle down but took over the reins midway in the first half with their midfield showing lot of cohesion. Seminlen Doungel, who looked enterprising upfront, saw his shot being collected by the rival keeper as both teams failed to break the deadlock in the first half.
Ashley Westwood made an early change after the break bringing in Robin Singh in place of C K Vineeth and it proved to be the masterstroke as he combined well along with Sunil Chhetri upfront and troubled the rival defense. He put his team in the lead in the 50th minute when he drove a left-footer from inside the box off Chhetri's pass that went in after hitting the post.
The goal completely changed the complexion of the game as Bengaluru FC were on the prowl and Robin Singh who was the thorn in the flesh for the rival defense essayed three powerful shots which rival keeper saved.
His shot hit the cross bar and he earned the man of the match award.
Shillong lajong who were at the receiving ends came with couple of counter moves and nearly found the equaliser but Seminlen Doungel shot was well saved by the rival keeper.
Mumbai FC hold East Bengal
Mumbai FC defended well to hold East Bengal to a goalless draw in a Group A league match of the 36th Hero Federation Cup football tournament here on Friday. With Friday's draw, both the team are on four points from three matches. Dempo are at the top with six points from two matches. Royal Wahingdoh, who have three points from two matches, play their next match against Sporting Clube de Goa on January 4. A win will give them the edge over East Bengal and Mumbai FC to qualify for the semi-finals.
East Bengal keeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, who brought off a couple of good saves, was declared man of the match. With Dempo sitting pretty at the top of the table with two wins, Friday's match has been crucial for the both the teams as they have three points each from two matches.
East Bengal played with more confidence with quick short passes. They had an early chance to forge ahead but Dudu Omagbemi's effort was blocked by rival defender Justin Stephen after he was put through by Cavin lobo.
Mumbai FC, who relied more on the long balls, tried to catch their rivals on the counter and a created couple of clear chances but failed to score.
East Bengal keeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury made a close save when he blocked a powerful drive from Josimar Da Silva to deny Mumbai FC the lead at half time as both the teams failed to break the deadlock at the break.