ISL | Mohun Bagan prove too good for Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters suffer 3-0 defeat at home to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL, jeopardizing playoff hopes.

  Kerala Blasters failed to break its jinx at home against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in the ISL, putting the play-off hopes in jeopardy at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here on Saturday.

A brace from Jamie Maclaren (28th & 40th) and a goal from Alberto Rodriguez (67th) handed MBSG take full points against the host.

Blasters paid the price for not being able to convert the chances when it dominated possession early in the first half. The home side had seven shots on the rival goal before the 30-minute mark. However, the Mariners’ defence under captain Subhashish Bose kept its line. Subhashish blocked successive shots from Korou Singh in the eighth minute and goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a splendid save to deny Amawia in the 25th minute.

MBSG turned the tide and went ahead in the 28th minute through Jamie Maclaren. Liston Colaco, on the left flank, warded off both Adrian Luna and Sandeep Singh and, threaded in a nice cross to Maclaren. The striker’s first touch was heavy but he buried the ball into the top corner of the net with a left-footer.

It just took four touches for the second goal. Kaith’s goal kick landed deep inside the Blasters half where Maclaren won the aerial duel and knocked the ball to Jaison Cummings. Jaison dinked the ball over the Blasters defence to Maclaren who lobbed it over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to double the lead.

The pattern of play in the second half was similar with the Mariners’ highline defence keeping the Blasters attack in check. The visitor increased the lead against the run of play in the 67th minute when Blasters defence failed to clear the ball following a free-kick. Alberto Rodriguez latched on to a rebound and scored with a left-footer.

The result: Kerala Blasters 0 lost to Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3 (Jamie Maclaren 28, 40, Alberto Rodriguez 67).