Chirag script 3-0 victory over Mohammedan

Barasat (WB): Chirag United warmed up late to regain their form and beat Mohammedan Sporting 3-0 in the Sahara Kolkata Premier Football League at Vidyasagar Stadium here on Friday.

After a barren first half, Nasimento, Md Rafique and Josimar struck once each during the last 25 minutes to guide hirag to the victory trail again. After a poor performance against Peerless in their last outing, which they lost 1-2, Chirag dished out an improved display combining well both in the midfield as well as at the upfront but had to wait till the 65th minute to open their account by front-liners, especially striker Josimar. After a lacklustre first half, Chirag came near scoring three minutes after the changeover but Josimar failed to beat Mohammedan custodian Subrata Pal, who rushed out in time to thwart the attack. Pal brought off another save 10 minutes later in a similar fashion off Chirag striker Md Rafique. Mohammedan also had a chance just before the half-time but Abiola failed to cash in. Things for Chirag took a turn for better after their technical director Subrata Bhattacharjee brought in medio Asim Biswas in the 64th minute. Just after taking the field, Asim collected the ball in their own area and ran down the left flank to send a nice cross, neatly placed home by Nasimento who followed the move (1-0). Chirag increased their lead in the 80th minute through Md Rafique. Rafique, after receiving the ball in the rival half, moved up, dribbled a defender and then beat an onrushing Mohammedan custodian with an accurate shot (2-0). A couple of minutes before close Josimar was fed with another fine chance by Asim and the former finally made it home with a low angular while on the run to complete the tally for Chirag (3-0). With this victory, last year`s runner-up Chirag collected a total of 17 points from nine matches, 10 points less than the league leader, who also had the same number of outings. With this drubbing, the shadow of relegation continues for Mohammedan as they remain at six points after 10 outings. PTI