A fine hat-trick by willy Brazilian striker Jose Ramirez Barreto guided champions Mohun Bagan to a 3-1 drubbing of Chirag United in their second outing of the IFA Premier division football league in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Barreto struck in the 26th, 52nd and 60th minutes while Achintya Saha reduced the margin for Chirag in the 70th minute of the game, played at the Mohun Bagan ground.
In spite of heavy ground conditions because of rains, Bagan maintained their supremacy almost all through except the early part of the game when Chirag's Luis made a fine attempt to forge ahead. But Luis' stingy drive from top of the box was smartly saved by Bagan custodian Sangram Mukherjee for a corner in the 17th minute.
Barreto sent his first salvo in the 26th minute when he moved up inside Chirag box combining well with Isfaq Ahmed before finding the target (1-0).
Chirag tried to put up some fight but failed to finish.
Barreto scored his second goal in the 52nd minute when he beautifully headed home an Ishfaq Ahmed centre (2-0).
He got the first hat-trick in the premier league this season when he scored again eight minutes later. Following a combined move, the ball came to him inside the box and the Brazilian took a half turn and netted the ball (3-0).
Bagan then took it a little easy and, taking advantage of the situation, Chirag earned a consolation goal.
Following a counter attack, Chirag forward Gauranga Dutta forced a rasping drive from top of the box. The ball went to Achintya Saha after it was punched out by the goalkeeper and the former drove it home (3-1).
© 2024 Rediff.com -