Vasco (Goa), Jan 2 (IANS) Substitute striker Robin Singh scored the winner for Bengaluru FC to beat Shillong Lajong 1-0 in their Federation Cup Group B encounter at the Tilak Maidan here Friday.
With the win, Bengaluru go top with five points from three games but Shillong are rock bottom with no points from three games.
As early as in the second minute of the game, Bengaluru cut open the Lajong defence as Lalchhuan Mawia and Eugeneson Lyngdoh combined together for the attack but failed to put it in the back of the net.
At the quarter-hour mark, the north-eastern side tried its luck on goal when Seminlen Doungel’s shot landed straight at the Bengaluru goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte.
Bengaluru then were denied by the cross bar as Englishman John Johnson’s header ricocheted off the post and his rebound header went wide.
The second half saw Robin being introduced as English coach Ashley Westwood went with a three-pronged attack which fetched him the desired result in the 50th minute when Sunil Chhetri found Singh with an inch perfect pass which the latter slotted home past the Lajong goalie Kunzang Bhutia.
A minute later, Robin could have doubled his tally as he was clean through on goal after going past a defender but his fierce shot went straight to Kunzang who somehow kept it out. He was at it again but this time his shot was tipped over the bar by the custodian.
Doungel squandered a few good chances in the closing minutes of the game, failing to provide Lajong the equaliser.