Karanjit Singh saved a late penalty as Salgaocar Sports Club rode their luck to secure a 1-0 victory over Mumbai FC in a fifth round clash of the I-League, at the Nehru Stadium, in Fatorda, Goa, on Thursday.
Salgaocar went ahead through a fortuitous goal from Anthony Barbosa in the 10th minute, but Mumbai FC had a great chance to level the score and get something out of the game when Abhishek Yadav won a penalty eight minutes from close. The India striker, however, saw his attempt being saved by Karanjit.
The victory helped Salgaocar get back on the winning track after a couple of defeats. The defending champions are now on six points, nine adrift of leaders Dempo.
Mumbai FC lost their fourth match on the trot after registering a 4-1 win in the opener against Air India.
Bagan too good for Churchill
A buoyant Mohun Bagan handed Churchill Brothers a 3-0 thrashing to nose ahead of the Goans in the standings to second spot after round five in Kolkata.
Sunil Chhetri fired in from long range to put the local giants ahead in the 28th minute, while his striking partner Ashim Biswas made it 2-0 with a header in added time of the first half.
A regrouped Churchill Brothers looked to bounce back in the second-half, but in absence of their ace striker N D Opara the Goans failed to break the Mohun Bagan defence.
Jewel Raja completed the rout for Mohun Bagan with a 90+5th minute strike.
The win meant Mohun Bagan climbed to second spot, behind Dempo, with 12 points.
After suffering their first loss of the I-League at the flood-lit Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Churchill Brothers (10) dropped to fourth position.
Ranty Martins enables Dempo keep unbeaten run
Dempo maintained their unbeaten run in the I-League, beating Chirag United Kerala 2-1 at the University Stadium, in Trivandrum.
Nigerian striker Ranty Martins was the Goa side's hero, scoring a brace which took his tally in this year's tournament to eight goals in five matches.
Dempo are atop the table with 15 points from five matches, while Chirag are still with three points and in the bottom half of the table.
Kayne Vincent's brace takes Prayaga past HAL
Continuing their good run, Prayag United, riding on New Zealander Kayne Vincent brace, scored a convincing 2-0 victory over HAL Bangalore.
The Bangalore side paid the price for being too defensive, as they suffered their third straight home defeat.
Lajong-Air India in goalless draw
In another fifth round I League match, Shillong Lajong were engaged in a goalless draw with Air India.
