(Football news) ATK Mohun Bagan are in a commanding position for a place in the semi-finals after defeating FC Goa 2-0 at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday. The Mariners are on 29 points, the same as league leaders Hyderabad FC but have played a game less and have a real possibility of moving on top of the table. A brace from Manvir Singh (3rd, 46th) ensured ATK Mohun Bagan extended their unbeaten run to 11 games while FC Goa remained on 18 points from 17 outings.

The Mariners went all guns blazing right from kick off, taking the lead in the third minute when Prabir Das' cross was cleared for a corner by Dylan Fox. Liston Colaco whipped in an inviting ball which was flicked home by Manvir Singh as Dheeraj Moirangthem had little time to react. The Gaurs slowly grew into the game as the first half progressed and began testing ATKMB’s backline which featured Sandesh Jhingan for the first time from the beginning. FC Goa had an opportunity to equalise when Jorge Ortiz tried to find a teammate from a good angle only for Tiri to clear away the danger.

Liston Colaco displayed an impressive performance yet again, making dangerous runs and brilliant link-up play with Joni Kauko and Manvir. Anwar Ali hit the crossbar from long range after the cooling break. One minute after half-time, ATK Mohun Bagan doubled their advantage as Manvir found the back of the net yet again after capitalising on Lenny Rodrigues’ ball, dribbling past Dheeraj and finding the back of the net. 

Four minutes later, Manvir almost scored a hat-trick when he got to the end of Liston Colaco’s ball but couldn’t beat Dheeraj who put his body on the line. The Mariners could have scored more goals through Kauko and Manvir who missed good chances while Colaco hit the underside of the crossbar which was cleared by Dheeraj. ATK Mohun Bagan maintained a clean sheet and secured the three points in this crucial encounter, thereby ensuring they are in pole position for a spot in the semi-finals. 

ATK Mohun Bagan will face Kerala Blasters next on Saturday, 19th February at the Tilak Maidan while FC Goa will take on Hyderabad FC on Saturday, 19th February at the GMC Athletic Stadium.

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