CK Vineeth's double takes Bengaluru to Federation Cup glory

CK Vineeth's dual strikes (107'and 119') sealed the title victory for Albert Roca and co. in a 2-0 result at Cuttack against Mohun Bagan on Sunday evening. The game, which was progressed into extra time, was an action filled fixture which saw the Blues dominating the Mariners and eventually laying their hands on the winning trophy.

Albert Roca introduced a squad which lined up in a 4-4-2 formation comprising Udanta Singh and Semilen Doungel up-top. With Cameron Watson being suspended on account of having picked up two yellow cards, Salam Ranjan Singh was introduced in the defensive line of the Blues with Spaniard defender Juanan guarding on the left.

As for the Mariners, Sanjoy Sen too featured the team in the usual 4-4-2 shape with Katsumi Yusa leading the side from Kolkata. British striker Darryl Duffy and Balwant Singh took charge of the proceedings up-front whereas Indian international Jeje Lalpekhlua was placed on the bench.

The first half witnessed the Blues dominating the Kolkata heavyweights as Sandesh Jhingan was the man in limelight. Bengaluru kick started on a positive note as Eugeneson Lyngdoh guided Udanta Singh from the left which saw the latter trying to lob in a cross into the box defender Pritam Kotal did well to clear away the young winger's danger.

Few minutes later, the Mariners attacked on the counter as Katsumi Yusa, Darryl Duffy and Balwant Singh tried to create some action from the right flank but Sandesh Jhingan, who was operating on the left on Sunday evening, blocked the effort.

The first chance of the tie came in the 20th minute when the Southern Eagles nearly registered the opening goal. It was Eugeneson Lyngdoh who had stepped up for a corner as he sent the ball inside the box for Udanta Singh. The 20-year-old put an acrobatic effort which saw him jump high to slot in a half volley but the ball hit Seminlen Doungel on the way in. Therefore, the attempt was flagged offside by the linesman.

Just two minutes later, the side from Bengaluru troubled the Maroon and Green Brigade again. Lenny Rodrigues squared it for Udanta Singh to flick the ball in but Debjit Majumder got a vital touch on the ball which rolled away the delivery for a corner as Mohun Bagan survived yet again.

Around the half-hour mark, Sandesh Jhingan delivered a breathtaking clearance. As Sony Norde took the corner for Mohun Bagan, the Haitian sent the ball inside the box which Eduardo Ferreira tried to head it in but the delivery banged at the bar. Later, the ball reached Katsumi Yusa who sent the ball, from the left into the box yet again, but this time an alert Sandesh Jhingan pulled off a goal-line clearance, hereby relieving Amrinder Singh who had missed it. Despite Sanjoy Sen's men owning more ball possession in the initial half of the clash it was the JSW owned outfit which looked the stronger contingent as the two teams entered the tunnel at the half-time whistle on a 0-0 score-line.

The second half was an action packed series of play. Just four minutes past the half-time mark, Bengaluru FC found the net but yet again it was disallowed. It was John Johnson who came from behind to rush in to head the ball from Eugeneson Lyngdoh's free-kick. The ball lofted high by Johson was netted inside by Juanan but the delivery was flagged offside. It was a controversial decision from the official as the attempt looked legal. Minutes following this incident, Mohun Bagan bounced back with an answer. Balwant Singh sent in a phenomenal shot at the goal but Amrinder Singh dived to his right and got his touch on the ball to push it away from the aim. It was a commendable effort from the forward as it was a powerful strike.

Three minutes away from the one hour mark, a moment of madness was witnessed. Udanta Singh made a run and stormed into the opposition box which saw Debjit Majumder coming off his line. Udanta chipped the ball over the goalkeeper as Eduardo Ferreira and Sehnaj Singh run forward to guard the delivery but the youngster was unlucky to see his excellent effort go wide from the target.