Unbeaten Mohun Bagan held by Shillong Lajong in I-league

Unbeaten leaders Mohun Bagan were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Shillong Lajong FC in an I-League football match at the Barasat stadium here on Wednesday.

Mohun Bagan were the dominant side throughout the match but failed to score the all-important goal which would have extended their dominance in the tournament considerably.

With the draw, the Kolkata giants extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches, improving to 25 points from 11 matches to remain at the top of the standings.

Shillong Lajong moved to 11 points from as many matches.

The match started at a brisk pace with the home team keen to stamp their authority early in the match.

Their swift and smooth attacking play, led by potent trio of foreigners Pierre Boya, Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde, created enormous pressure on the Lajong defence.

But the visitors held firm and instead of only soaking up the pressure and playing for a draw, they launched swift counter attacks to make the contest lively.

Both teams wasted the chances that fell their way in the first half and went into the break 0-0.

But the second half proceedings mirrored that of the first session as both teams intensified their pressure to get that elusive goal.

Norde came closest to break the deadlock but was unlucky to see his venomous dipping free-kick rebound into play after crashing into the crossbar.

Mohun Bagan's desperation to land the sucker punch made them vulnerable at the back.

Lajong were smart enough to identify the opening and their striker Seminlen Doungel got a glorious chance to be the hero when he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar.

But the in-form goalie, who again impressed with several stupendous saves, forced the young forward to shoot wide.

Relieved to get the reprieve, Mohun Bagan came forward with renewed vigour only to be frustrated and had to be content with a single point from the match.