Date:05/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/05/stories/2008020552181800.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Barreto stars for Bagan

KOLKATA: Brazilian Jose Ramirez Barreto headed home a Mohan Raj throw-in in the 34th minute against relegation-threatened Salgaocar SC to keep Mohun Bagan in the hunt for the I-League title in a 15th round game at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Monday.

The win, the eighth for the former champion, helped the Kolkata outfit reach 27 points.

Salgaocar, promoted to the elite league this season, played a rejuvenated game but found its frontliners lacking sharpness.

That the Goan side did not have a striker of the class of either Bhaichung Bhutia or Barreto was evident.

Seven points from seven draws in 15 matches does not speak well of the side. Yet, the team’s display on Monday was far more refreshing.

Be it ball possession, midfield control or defence, the team stood head and shoulder above its rival.

The combatants dished out an entertaining fare with moves and counter-moves flowing and keeping the sizeable local fans glued to the action.

But for Barreto’s opportunism, the difference between the two sides was hard to define. — Special Correspondent