Kolkata, August 8, 2019: Incessant rainfall in last 24 hours could not dampen the mood of the Mariners who filled up stands today to watch their team snatch win against new rival on the block ATK by 2-1 margin. Playing conditions was not suitable for passing football and both the teams faced difficulties in controlling the game. Mohun Bagan got a chance early when Gurjinder Kumar sent an inch perfect cross from left but VP Suhair could not connect the ball. On the other side of the pitch Mohun Bagan custodian Sankar Roy made a brilliant save to deny ATK the lead in the initial period. The Spanish connection helped Mariners to go one up against ATK in the 34th Minute when stopper Fran Morante headed home from a curling corner kick sent by Joseba Beitia. Mohun Bagan got another golden opportunity when skipper Gurjinder Kumar sent a delightful cross for Romario Jesuraj but he could only manage his header into the post. At lemon break Mariners were up by a goal.
Second half started in same tempo and Mariners slowly started to get control of midfield due to some exquisite passing football initiated by Joseba Beitia. He did not wait long to put his name on the scoresheet when he controlled a low ball from VP Suhair with his left foot and coolly placed it inside the net with his right in the 52nd Minute. Romario Jesuraj got another gilt edged chance when VP Suhair fed him a pass but he could not connect. ATK got one back in the 79th Minute when Ashis Pradhan comprehensively beaten defence line and goalkeeper. No further damages were done as Sankar Roy made back to back brilliant saves. Surabuddin Mollick received a marching order in the dying moments of the game.
Mariners almost sealed the Semi Final birth in Durand Cup and will meet Navy at YBK on 17th August,2019 in their last group match encounter.