Bengaluru FC beat Shillong Lajong 2-0 in I-League

Bengaluru, Feb 15: Champions Bengaluru FC (BFC), down to 10 men, swept to a 2-0 win over Shillong Lajong, courtesy goals by Robin Singh and Thoi Singh on either side of the break in a Hero I-League match here Saturday.

In scoring their third consecutive win, the Blues moved to 10 points from six games while Lajong, who were a trifle unlucky not to have scored, slid to their fourth defeat in five outings.

The two BFC goals were similar in planning and execution as Robin Singh headed in an inch-perfect lob from Shankar Sampangiraj in the 17th minute and then Thoi Singh was left unmarked to nod home a measured cross from skipper Sunil Chhetri in the 61st.

Despite the clear cut margin, the Blues, who were reduced to 10 men after central defender Curtis Osano was shown a red card in the 40th minute, had to work hard to overcome Lajong who were no inferior in playmaking, but were found wanting at the finish.

The visitors, in fact, looked the better side in the second half when they put together some pleasing moves, but conceded a goal against the run of play. Trinidadian striker Cornell Glen was undoubtedly a constant threat to the BFC and threatened to score almost every time he got the ball.

Bengaluru's inability to build on Robin's goal almost proved to be their undoing in the first half and the 40th minute red card to Osano for bringing down rival forward Glen who was attempting to break through on a pass, did not help matters for the hosts.

BFC players pleaded in vain with referee Prajal Banerjee who was probably justified in giving marching orders to Osano who clearly tugged at Glen's shirt to send the forward tumbling.

The visitors, despite the early reverse, were still very much in the frame, coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but the Blues defence held on grimly.

Late in the first half, Bengaluru almost struck a second time but an attempt by Chhetri, named AIFF Player of the Year, found the post and a reprieved Lajong kept their composure to keep the Blues defenders on their toes.