Blown apart in 90 minutes

MUMBAI: Excellent! That’s a one-word summation of Mahindra United’s performance against Mohun Bagan in the third round of the 11th National Football League at the Cooperage on Sunday. The 4-1 scoreline sums up the rest of the story. The fact that four of those goals were scored in the opening 45 minutes adds the necessary drama to the plot.

Three-time champions Bagan started on an attacking note and soon went into the lead with Bhaichung Bhutia heading in a Surajit Bose cross from the right flank. But with a fragile defence — in the absence of Sanjeev Maria and Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda — it was imperative for them to build on their lead and put pressure on their rivals. It is here that Bagan lost their plot and allowed Mahindra the leeway they wanted.

And Mahindra were more than happy to grab the opportunity. Andrews Pomeyie Mensah’s powerful left-footer went straight into the hands of Bagan keeper Sangram Mukherjee, but brought out a thunderous applause from a raucuous crowd and, in a way, signalled the resurgence of the defending champions. The Ghanaian import soon had his name on the scoresheet, converting an Ajayan pass from the left flank, to score his third goal in three games.

Bagan had hardly recovered when another Ghanaian, captain Yusif Yakubu, seized his chance in a goalmouth scramble to put the home team further ahead.

A few minutes later, there was yet another Bagan blunder. Sangram failed to collect Surkumar Singh’s low free-kick and this allowed Yakubu an opportunity to grab his second off the rebound. Needless to say, he duly obliged.

Four goals in a space of 45 minutes. The match was as good as over. The second half wasn’t half as entertaining as its predecessor — can’t blame the players though. For Mahindra seemed content preserving their healthy lead while Bagan remained apprehensive about conceding more — something which prevented them from playing their natural game. But if one thought all the drama was over and the match was headed for a tame end, then he was in for a surprise.

For there was some fireworks waiting to happen. A Goutam Debnath faux pas ensured a penalty for the home team. But surprisingly, Yakubu failed to convert it — thereby missing out on a well-deserved hat-trick. Or to give due credit to the Bagan custodian Sangram — who played a crucial role in the Mariners’ recent Federation Cup triumph with two remarkable saves — who brought out yet another of his trademark blocks.

However, Bagan were hardly given any time to settle down. Yakubu was soon back in action and his cross from the right wing allowed Abhishek Yadav — who had just come in as a substitute for James Singh — headed in Mahindra’s fourth.

For Mahindra it was a victory well earned, especially after a disappointing show against Churchill Brothers last up. And most credit for this lopsided win goes to Derrick Pereira. The astute coach thought out of the box, did his homework well and went into the match with three forwards.

“Since Bagan’s defence was weak, we had three players up front and played 3-4-3 while on the attack. But while defending we played 4-5-1 because we knew we had to contain Barreto and Bhutia,” said Pereira. The defending champions, now atop the table with seven points from three games, play Sporting Clube de Goa next Monday.

As far as Bagan are concerned, they are winless after their opening three games — with only one point so far — and their Brazilian coach Robson Mattos has a lot of work to do if they are to come back in the competition. They play Air India next but what will be more reassuring for them is the fact that that will be their first home match in this year’s campaign.