Date:13/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/13/stories/2008091356811800.htm

Sport - Football

Mohun Bagan retains title

KOLKATA: Defending champion Mohun Bagan retained the Calcutta Football League title, here on Friday.

Mohun Bagan got the point that would have given it the crown by playing out a 1-1 draw against traditional rival East Bengal in its concluding league engagement. The holder tallied 31 points from 14 matches that gave it an insurmountable lead and the 28th title in the 110-year-old league.

Mohammedan Sporting, which has been the surprise challenger to Mohun Bagan’s aspirations, will now have to be content with the runner-up position.

East Bengal, which has won the title 31 times, the highest, fell down to the third position for first time in many years, ending with 25 points.

Mohun Bagan found the break first working on effective counter-attacks. The goal, however, came from a penalty in the 23rd minute. Brazilian striker Jose Barreto scored from the spot to help Mohun Bagan end the first session with the lone-goal lead.

East Bengal , found the equaliser from a set-piece situation. through another Brazilian, substitute Edmilson Marques, in the 83rd minute with a cracking free-kick. — Principal Correspondent