Duffy double takes Mohun Bagan to top

TIL Desk Sports/ Mohun Bagan’s Scottish marksman Darryl Duffy pumped in a double to power them to a 2-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC, their second successive win that took them to the top of the I-League table. Mohun Bagan, who had beaten Churchill Brothers 1-0 in their opening match in Barasat, now have six points from two matches to go past Aizawl FC at the top of the standings.

Embracing their home ground Rabindra Sarobar after winning a legal battle, the 2015 champions got off to some hits and misses before Duffy broke the deadlock with a 21st minute strike. The Scot collected a brilliant cross and swerved past defenders and Shillong goalkeeper Vishal Kaith before firing it in with a clinical left-footer. The Shillong outfit stepped up the pressure looking for an equaliser but the Mariners held on before the Scot brought up his brace in the 77th minute when Pronay Halder set it up from a 40-yard long ranger.

Their last match hero, Balwant kept the ball inside the box dodging Lajong captain Dan Gelu Ignat as Duffy lurking inside slotted it home with an angle. For the Northeast outfit, who were hammered 0-3 by defending champions Bengaluru FC, this was their second successive defeat in as many games as they are yet to open their account. Having won a legal battle, Mohun Bagan were allowed to play at their home venue by the National Green Tribunal.