Mahindra beat Chirag 1-0, back in reckoning for title

KOLKATA: Former champions Mahindra United was on Sunday back in reckoning for the title as they edged past Chirag United by a solitary goal in their 18th round of the ONGC I-League at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Striker Muritala Ali scored the all important goal for Mahindra in the 57th minute.
The two teams had ended their first meeting in this league in a 2-2 draw.
Mahindra now moved into the second spot in the league table with 33 points from 18 outings and are now just a couple of points behind the leaders Dempo, while Chirag stayed put with 29 points after 18 matches.
The Mumbai outfit dominated the proceedings, but Chirag made some good moves in the first half with midfielders Jayanta Sen, Denson and Gauranga Biswas combining well. However, they failed to give the finishing touches.
The Mahindra defence, led by Lamine Tamba, also rose to the occasion to keep their citadel intact.
Chirag felt the absence of their Brazilian forward Edmilson who is under suspension for displaying ungentlemanly conduct during their match against Churchill Brothers.
The Kolkata side also played without a regular coach as Subrata Bhattacharjee has decided to quit after difference of opinion with the club management. Assistant coach Anjan Nath is now looking after the outfit.
It was Chirag who came near scoring first but an Asim Biswas attempt off Josimar missed the target narrowly.
Mahindra too found an opportunity soon, but Paresh Shivalkar's shot was smartly held by goalkeeper Sandeep Nandy.
After a barren first half, Mahindra, who have tasted defeat in only one match this season so far, went all out for a goal in the second session and got it in the 57th minute.
Following a throw taken from near the Chirag box, Muritala unleashed a back volley which found the back of the home side net.
Stung by the reverse, Chirag made some desperate moves but failed to break the tight Mahindra defence.
Mahindra were unlucky not to have increased their lead as a Muritala shot hit the post in the 65th minute.