Goa: Strikes from David Williams (38th) and Manvir Singh (68th) helped ATK Mohun Bagan book a spot in the final of the Indian Super League beating NorthEast United FC 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) in the second leg of the semifinal at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Tuesday (March 9). VP Suhair added one for the Highlanders.
It was a game for all to play as the first leg ended with a 1-1 scoreline. The Mariners were the dominant side in the first half bombarding chances at the NorthEast net. Javi Hernandez hit the post just after kick-off while Roy Krishna was unlucky being unable to score twice in the opening few minutes.
The Fijian then set up Williams in a counter-attacking move to put the Kolkata-side ahead. NorthEast came back strongly in the second half and dominated the first 15 minutes testing the ATKMB goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya.
Krishna then set-up Manvir who made a surging run into the box before smashing it home with his left foot for the second. The Highlanders got one back through Suhair who pounced on a loose ball inside the box giving hope for a comeback.
The dynamics of the game could have been different had Federico Gallego kept his nerve to convert his penalty. ATKMB held their composure at the back to seal the deal booking a place in the ISL final against Mumbai City FC.
