Goal.com

Goal.com revisits all the action from week 20 of the I-League and picks a team from the best performers.

Round 20 of the Indian I-League saw some key battles at both ends of the table and the contests threw up some fascinating results as the teams jostled for momentum heading into the mid-season break.

In the weekend’s biggest game Mohun Bagan and East Bengal played out a 0-0 draw in a half empty Salt Lake Stadium. The point does neither side any good as the Mariners’ chances of survival look increasingly bleak while the same can be said for East Bengal’s title hopes. The result sees Trevor Morgan’s side retain top spot going into the break with 40 points from 20 games, but they have played two more matches than second placed Churchill Brothers. Meanwhile, Karim Bencharifa’s men are firmly rooted to the foot of the table.

Salgaocar defeated Shillong Lajong 2-0 to continue their recent good form. Strikes from Josimar and Randeep Singh were enough to seal the points for the Goans. With the win, the Greens are in 9th place with 20 points from 19 games, while Shillong Lajong are placed in a precarious 11th spot with 19 points.

Pune FC trounced Mumbai FC 3-0 in the Maha derby thanks to a second half flourish. A brace from striker James Moga and a late goal from midfielder Arata Izumi proved enough to seal the three points for the visitors. The points see the Red Lizards make a welcome return to winning ways after a 4-game winless run and they are 4th with 33 points from 18 outings, while their opponents are in 6th spot with 26 points from 19 outings.

Sporting Clube de Goa continued their fantastic run of form with a 2-0 away win at Pailan Arrows. Second half goals from Ogba Kalu Nnanna and Victorino Fernandes handed the visitors the win. As a result Sporting Clube de Goa are now in 8th spot with 23 points from 19 matches. On the other hand, the Arrows have slipped to 10th with 19 points from as many matches.

ONGC FC beat United Sikkim 1-0 with midfielder Eric Brown scoring the only goal of the game in the final minute of regulation time after the hosts had once again seen a stack of presentable opportunities go up in smoke.  The result means ONGC continue their impressive progress under Kashyap and they are in seventh place with 24 points. Meanwhile, you have to wonder whether the dye has already been cast for Nathan Hall's side, as they remain stuck at the wrong end of the table with a mere 12 points from 20 outings.

Prayag United came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Churchill Brothers. Akram Moghrabi gave the Goan outfit the lead just before the half hour mark, but Ranti Martins levelled up matters on the stroke of half-time. Beto then put the hosts back in front from the penalty spot on 61 minutes only to see his goal cancelled by Mohammed Rafique three minutes later. As a consequence, the hosts are placed second on 39 points, a point behind current league leaders East Bengal. On the flip side, Prayag are in 5th spot with 31 points from 20 games.

Dempo SC continued their downward spiral as they were at the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Air India. Prakash Thorat and Henry Ezeh scored in quick succession in the second half and although John Menyongar pulled one back for the visitors late on, it was not enough. However, Armando Colaco’s men are still 3rd with 35 points from 19 matches, while Air India are third from bottom with 18 points from 17 outings.

TEAM OF ROUND 20

Shilton Paul Mohun Bagan

Nicolau Colaco Salgaocar FC

Uga Okpara East Bengal

Echezona Anyichie Mohun Bagan

Prakash Thorat Air India

Lalkamal Bhowmick Prayag United

Eric Brown ONGC FC

Arata Izumi Pune FC

Akram Moghrabi Churchill Brothers

James Moga Pune FC

Victoriono Fernandes Sporting Clube de Goa

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