Salgaocar SC 1-0 Prayag United SC – The Kolkata outfit controversially denied a penalty as the Goans seal three points

Both keepers did well in the opening exchanges as Salgaocar's Karanjit Singh took care of James Singh's corner-kicks while United SC's Abhijit Mondal stopped Ryuji Sueoka's header which was on it's way in.

In the 25th minute, Prayag defender Arnab Mondal did well to dispossess Sueoka in the box after the Japanese was played in by Chidi.

Edeh Chidi rose above at least three purple shirts before getting a powerful header bang on target off Randeep Singh's free-kick in the 26th minute.

The Nigerian could have doubled the tally just two minutes later, when he unleashed another shot on target, but Abhijit Mondal stood strong in front of his goal.

Few minutes later, the Prayag custodian pulled out an amazing reflex left hand save to deny Chidi's header from as near as three yards.

The second half saw Sanjoy Sen's side with a clear intent of scoring goals as Josimar got on the end of the best chance created by Prayag in the 48th minute.

Yakubu stitched the move for the Brazilian who fired a firm right footer from inside the box, but Salgaocar keeper Karanjit Singh was equally good to make the save.

Yusif Yakubu then tried his luck with a surprise shot on goal from around the 30 yards mark, in the 52nd minute, which Karanjit tipped over.

Rocus Lamare made his presence felt with a long range effort in the 57th minute, while an overcrowded Salgaocar defence dealt with a number of Prayag set-pieces at the other end.

That was before Francis Fernandes sent his shot into the orbit, although the Salgaocar winger had the option to play square to Chidi who was waiting in open space.

Josimar squandered another wanting opportunity for Prayag when he sent his header wide, while Karanjit Singh blocked James Singh's shot.

Controversy followed in the 69th minute, when referee Denny Jacob denied United SC's Josimar a penalty when the Brazilian was brought down inside the box by Karanjit Singh.

However, the match carried on and Abhijit Mondal had to save yet another header on target send in by Chidi in the 73rd minute.

Prayag didn't give up hope as Josimar's header didn't miss by much after being played in by an accurate cross from the right by James Singh.

Salgaocar also wasted a couple of chances and in the 82nd minute, Gilbert Oliveira was caught on the wrong foot after getting past Abhijit Mondal, allowing the Prayag keeper to snatch the ball.

As a result of Churchill's loss against Mumbai FC in the other match, Salgaocar have now moved fourth on the table, while Prayag United SC remain sixth with 32 points.