ISL 2021-22: Manvir Singh brace helps ATK Mohun Bagan see off FC Goa

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:59 am

Manvir Singh scores for ATK Mohun Bagan against FC Goa.
Manvir Singh scores for ATK Mohun Bagan against FC Goa.
R. Parthibhan/Focus Sports/ISL

ATK Mohun Bagan made it a hattrick of wins to remain second in the table and in a commanding position in the playoff race, with a comfortable 2-0 victory over FC Goa at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

Manvir Singh (3rd, 46th) scored a brace on either side of halftime to ensure Bagan stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games under Juan Ferrando who did a double over his former side after switching teams mid-season.

FC Goa's slim chances of making the semis are all but over as they remained on 18 points from 17 outings.

Bagan were at it from the word go, taking the lead as early as the third minute. Prabir Das' cross was cleared for a corner by Dylan Fox. Liston Colaco whipped in a delightful ball for Manvir to flick on from the near post.

Alberto Noguera had a huge opportunity to level, but one on one with the keeper (at an angle), he tried to slip in Jorge Ortiz, only to see Tiri stick out a left boot and clear away the danger.

Liston was once again brilliant, making those dazzling runs and linking up well with Joni Kauko and Manvir. Anwar Ali came closest for Goa after the water break when his rasping effort from long range came off the woodwork.

One minute into the second half, though, Manvir scored his and the team's second of the night as he pounced on a Lenny Rodrigues ball and rounded Dheeraj before passing it into the empty net. Lenny had started the attack with a high-press that robbed Princeton Rebello.

Manvir almost got his hattrick four minutes later, getting on the end of a Liston ball but could not beat Dheeraj who did well to get his body on the line. Bagan could have had more goals as Kauko and Manvir also spurned gilt-edged chances. Colaco hit the underside of the crossbar after he whipped in a ball from the left flank. Goa, though, couldn't mount any sustained pressure and Bagan saw them off for the crucial three points. They now take on Kerala Blasters on Saturday in what promises to be a cracker.