(Football news) The PJN Stadium in Fatorda saw Indian Super League clubs Odisha FC and ATK Mohun Bagan play out an entertaining but goalless draw which resulted in both the sides maintaining their positions on the league table. Odisha now have 17 points while Bagan have 16 but have played two games less. The Mariners will take on arch rivals SC East Bengal in the Kolkata derby on January 29th.

ATK Mohun Bagan started off strongly right from kick off with Roy Krishna’s attempt being saved by goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh from a tight angle. Liston Colaco also had a long range opportunity but he failed to find the target while David Williams’ effort was blocked by Victor Mongil who used his body to block the ball, thereby ensuring Odisha FC remained in the game. Mongil was then instrumental in stopping Krishna as he cut the Fijian’s angle and stopped a goalscoring opportunity.

At the half hour mark, Colaco missed yet another opportunity but this time from close range as Arshdeep made a brilliant save. The half-time whistle was a respite for Odisha FC’s defense as they managed to survive a barrage of attacks from ATK Mohun Bagan and the game was for the taking in the second half. Hector Rodas was replaced by Nikhil Prabhu in the second half while Ashutosh Mehta gave away a cheap freekick which was saved by Amrinder Singh from Isaac Vanmalsawma's attempt.

Odisha FC improved their performance after an abysmal first half as Jerry Mawihmingthanga combined with Javi Hernandez to test the Mariner’s defense. Roy Krishna was replaced at the hour mark for Prabir Das as Odisha’s Javi Hernandez created a few opportunities against his former side on either side of the cooling break. The Spaniard also found the back of the net but the goal was ruled offside. In the dying moments of the game Odisha FC had a number of attempts that tested Amrinder Singh but could not find the back of the net. 

Odisha FC will face Hyderabad FC in their next match on Thursday, 27th January at the Tilak Maidan while the much awaited Kolkata derby between SC East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan will take place on January 29th at the Fatorda Stadium.

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