I-League: Mohun Bagan AC top table after 1-1 draw with Shillong Lajong FC

Courtesy: Twitter (@ILeagueOfficial)

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan and Shillong Lajong FC played out a 1-1 draw in the Hero I-league encounter that took place at the Barasat stadium here.

Lajong Youngster Chinglensana gave his team the lead in the first half and Jeje equalised in the second half for Mohun Bagan.

Shillong Lajong FC started of the first half very brightly. Lajong seemed to come into this game with the intent to get nothing but three points. Lajong earned the first free kick of the match as early as 4 minutes just a few yards outside the box. Uilliams lined it up for himself but his shot was ineffective as it did not clear the wall.

Lajong who were the visiting team played good football throughout the first half and held good possession of the ball. Lajong midfielder Penn Orji had good opportunities to give his team the lead as he was presented with couple of good chances but his shot lacked accuracy. The home team, Mohun Bagan who were almost non-existent in the first fifteen minutes of the match started to create their own attacking play and began to threaten the Lajong defence.

There was a good pace to the match as both teams were attacking well. Uilliams was playing in good form in the match and earned his team a corner after cutting in from the left and took a low shot but it was saved by the keeper. Uilliams took the subsequent corner in the 30th minute which was met by Aibor who headed it towards goal to find Chinglensana for an easy tap in goal.

Mohun Bagan tried to get back immediately threatening the defence with attack after attack. Lajong defended well and maintained their attacking style and held on to the one goal lead until the first half whistle was blown.

Mohun Bagan played a much improved half after the break.

The home had the first free kick of the second half in the 46th minute but it did not materialise. Lajong did not play the second half in the same calibre as the first half and Mohun Bagan were piling the pressure on the defenders. The mariners played attacking football really well and had numerous chances.

Mohun Bagan were relentless in attack and finally got their reward in the 59th minute courtesy a goal from Jeje to equalise for Kolkata outfit.

As the second half was a contrast to the first, Lajong had slowed down their momentum in the second half and were more defensive as Bagan were aggressively on the offence.

Mohun Bagan got an incredible chance to take the lead in the 79th minute as Balwant's header hit the post but Lajong cleared the rebound. As the match progressed, Lajong replaced Jacob with Boithang and Zoding with Aiban Dohling who made his I-League debut today. The home team looked more likely to score as they created more chances but Lajong were resolute in the defence and held on until the final whistle was blown.

Mohun Bagan are now on top of the table with 15 points while Lajong are on 6th place with 9 points from 7 matches played.