Kolkata : Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant began their Indian Super League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kerala Blasters in the season opener at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharathi Krirangan, Kolkata.
1st half opening goal from Jamie Maclaren (36′) & injury time goal from Tom Aldred (90+5′) sealed the deal for the Mariners.
Mohun Bagan had the better possession in the 1st half with Anirudh Thapa and Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) controlling the midfield, allowing Robson and Liston Colaco to find space to attack through the wings.
Dimi Petratos returned to his preferred No. 10 role behind Jamie Maclaren and the Australian almost gave his side an early lead. Liston Colaco found Petratos inside the box but the forward snatched his shot which went wide of the goal.
Mariners were dominating possession, but were finding it difficult to break down the stubborn defence of Kerala Blasters.
They did manage to take the lead after the water break through Jamie Maclaren. He was found inside the box by Petratos and the Australian striker turned Aiban Dohling and found the net through a composed left-footed finish for the first goal of the ISL season.
Mohun Bagan ended the 1st half with the one goal lead, registering 10 shots on goal with six on target at the end of the half.
The 2nd half also saw the Mariners maintaining possession for long periods to force Blasters to defend deep in their own half.
Kerala Blasters became stronger in the final quarter of the game, especially with the introduction of Kevin Yoke, who showed his pace and dribbling abilities down the wings, but could not muster any clear-cut chances to trouble Vishal Kaith in goal.
Mohun Bagan put the game beyond the reach of the opposition in injury-time of the second half with substitute Tom Aldred finding the goal with a powerful header past Sachin Suresh from the free-kick of Anirudh Thapa.
Jamie Maclaren was named Player of the Match.
Brief Scorecard –
Mohun Bagan Super Giants : 2
Kerala Blasters : 0.
