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Kashmir stun Kolkata crowd

KOLKATA:Debutants Real Kashmir FC snatched a stunning 2-1 win against Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan to move to the third spot in the I-League points table here on Sunday.

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Kolkata, January 6 

Debutants Real Kashmir FC snatched a stunning 2-1 win against Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan to move to the third spot in the I-League points table here on Sunday.

Mason Robertson struck twice in the 33rd and 74th minutes, ensuring that Real Kashmir FC remained unbeaten on the move so far in their debut season. 

Sony Norde’s screaming free-kick in the 42nd minute was the only goal that the hosts could manage in the game. After suffering their second loss on the trot, Bagan are now placed sixth in the points table. 

While Mohun Bagan made five changes in Sunday’s game, the most noticeable change was that of Norde coming back into the starting list and Dipanda Dicka sitting on the bench. For Real Kashmir, Robertson found his way into the starting line.

Real Kashmir FC, who have not lost an away game so far, were expectedly on the attack from the go. Mohun Bagan made attempts on the counter but the Real Kashmir defence ensured that the hosts did not find enough opportunities. Real Kashmir were rewarded for their attacking game in the 33rd minute when an outstanding cross from Surchandra Singh was headed in by Robertson. 

Real Kashmir’s physical game cost them dearly when a silly foul by Abhash Thapa on Yuta Kinowaki just outside their box not only earned a free-kick for Mohun Bagan but also led to a yellow card. Norde curled the ball over the wall and into the net off the upright. 

The second half began with hosts Mohun Bagan pressing hard to take the lead but they were left wanting against an organised Real Kashmir defence. Mohun Bagan, though, did create a few good chances but were let down by poor finishing. The hosts were hit against the run of play when Roberston struck in the 74th minute.

Mohun Bagan came really close to scoring a couple of times in the final few minutes but some great defending from Real Kashmir, along with some misdirected shots from Mohun Bagan, cost the hosts the game.

Not thinking of winning league yet: Real coach 

Real Kashmir coach David Robertson said his team was not thinking of winning the I-League yet but had met their first goal of avoiding relegation. “It will be a bit premature to say that we can win now,” said Robertson.

“My first aim was to avoid relegation. Today I can say we have enough points to stay up. Who knows what will happen. It’s a long way to go,” added the 50-year-old. 

The coach said he was confident of getting a favourable result against the Kolkata heavyweights but the win was still unexpected. “They pass the ball quickly, while we play fast in the air. We didn’t want to be chasing around. Today’s game could have gone either way. It’s not that we dominated throughout. It was just fantastic. It was certainly unexpected. We held on and got the three points which was very important,” he said.

Talking about his son Mason, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, the coach said: “There’s more pressure on me because he’s my son. He fits in here. I always had doubts that whether he could play at this level and fit in. He has to play 10 times better than any other player to stay in the team. I don’t want to show too much favouritism.”

Amazingly, the 24-year-old centre-back has so far scored four goals in 10 matches.

Real Kashmir will next face former champions Aizawl FC before taking on Shillong Lajong in successive away fixtures. — IANS

Bagan coach resigns 

Mohun Bagan’s defeat at the hands of Real Kashmir had an immediate casualty as coach Shankarlal Chakraborty tendered his resignation, owning “moral responsibility”. This was Mohun Bagan’s second consecutive defeat in the I-League after losing to Neroca FC as their title hopes are all but over. “I’ve informed the club officials that I do not wish to stay anymore. Now it’s up to the club to take a call,” Chakraborty said. The Kolkata giants have a packed calendar with four successive matches at the Saltlake Stadium, and Chakraborty said he would remain with the club till the management appointed his successor. “We have a match (against defending champions Minerva Punjab) after three days. It will be difficult for the club to rope in someone. So, I will continue till the club management decides on someone.” Mohun Bagan have faired poorly at Saltlake Stadium this season, losing thrice — including the derby to East Bengal — and drawing twice from six matches. “I’m not quitting out of pressure. I thought I gave my best but I’m unable to help the team make a turnaround,” he said. In January last year, Bagan’s I-League-winning coach Sanjoy Sen quit after their loss to Chennai City FC and his then deputy Chakraborty was promoted. PTI

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