Margao: ATK Mohun Bagan returned to winnings ways in the Indian Super League (ISL) as they edged FC Goa 1-0 at the Fatorda Stadium, here on Wednesday.
Roy Krishna converted a penalty in the 85th minute to ensure Antonio Habas' side climbed back to second spot on the table.
The first half belonged to ATK Bagan despite Goa enjoying the lion's share of possession. They nullified the Gaurs' attacking threat and controlled the midfield as Juan Ferrando's side failed to register a single shot on target.
Habas' side, on the other hand, looked lively in attack and fashioned a couple of good chances but failed to break the deadlock.
David Williams was presented with an early chance to put ATKMB ahead in the ninth minute. Krishna pounced on a miscued pass from Edu Bedia and played it to Pronay Halder, who chipped the ball for Williams in the box. The Australian's lob was safely collected by Goa custodian Mohammad Nawaz, who rushed out of his line in time.
Goa failed to penetrate the opposition defence and couldn't test ATKMB keeper Arindam Bhattacharja.
ATKMB once again came close to taking the lead just before half-time in what was the best chance of the game. However, they were denied by the woodwork.
Receiving a long diagonal ball from the left, Williams cut inside by making space following a delightful touch. The striker launched a pile driver that managed to beat Nawaz but not the upright.
Goa began the second-half with vigour and managed to create better chances. They registered their first shot on target in the 56th minute. Alexander Jesuraj whipped a cross in the box for an unmarked Noguera, whose header was straight at Nawaz.
The Gaurs made two attacking substitutions after the hour mark, bringing on Brandon Fernandes and Jorge Ortiz Mendoza, whose arrivals provided them some much needed impetus.
Goa had a claim for a penalty during the 79th minute but the referee did not deem it so. The tables turned just minutes later as ATKMB won a penalty at the other end and finally took the lead through Krishna, who scored his fifth goal of the campaign. Krishna was brought down in the box after an ill-timed tackle from substitute Aibanbha Dohling. The Fijian drilled his spot-kick hard into the bottom left-hand corner, leaving Nawaz with no chance.
(With inputs from ISL Media)
