Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

After the defeat of East Bengal by Prayag United in I-league at Salt Lake Stadium yesterday, the supporters of EB agitated for the defeat and surrounded the car of officials of their dear club. They also surrounded the team bus agitated by saying that there would be no hope to win the derby match next Saturday and almost lost the I-league. The supporters feeling sad that their dear club lagged behind in the race of championship. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan won the match against Chirag Kerala last night by 3-1 from two penalties scored by Odafa and other one by Barreto. And it was unusual to witness two penalties in a single match and marching order for two players. So, Bagan-Chirag match made history and all are now looking for the result of next derby match. -- A. B.

Now the second Derby match being played at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata between the ever rivals of the city of joy - East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan. East Bengal played without any concrete plan during first half. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan played very well, without giving East Bengal any scope to score. The first goal by Odafa was good, but Sandip Nandy was responsible for the goal also. The best goal of first half was by Manish Bharguv - a fantastic header. -- A. B.

Partial load-shedding at Salt Lake Stadium on the 85 min of play didn't snatch the joy and happiness among the supporters of Mohun Bagan - finally Bagan won the first Derby match of this year. And beat East Bengal after 19 months! But the total match never reached at the peak of standard play. Lack of quality, tendency to play on the mid field - not expected from the two teams. But referee Pratap Singh tackled the adverse situations well (4 yellow cards). And Mohun Bagan won the Derby Match by solitary goal of Odafa Okolie - hero of the day. -- A. B.

Tomorrow, 20 November - Derby match of the year. The two big football club of Kolkata will play the most prestigious, most gorgeous, most magnificent and most deadly match of i-league at the biggest stadium of Kolkata - Salt Lake Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Much enthusiasm created already with this match among the supporters - who will smile the last smile. I'm always the supporter of Mohun Bagan. And hope, with Barreto and Chhettri Opara - Bagan will win the match.-- A. B.