Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan paid for missed chances as Mahindra United rode on a late penalty strike to finish with a 1-0 victory in a ninth National Football League match at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Mahindra's Brazilian striker Flavio Rodrigues scored the all-important goal barely two minutes before the long whistle from the spot-kick to enable his side register its first victory from two matches in the league.
The penalty was awarded after Rodrigues, on a solo run after dangerously cutting into the rival box from the right, was brought down by Bagan's Mehtab Hossain and Eduwardo Coelho.
Mahindra have four points while Bagan have one from two outings.
Mahindra were held goalless by Churchill Brothers and Bagan finished with the same score line against arch rivals East Bengal in their respective lung openers.
Bagan, who dominated for most part of the match, could have easily left the field on a happier note, but for the umpteen number of chances squandered by their players and the stellar display of Mahindra United custodian Sandip Nandy.
The Mahindra goalkeper was a picture of confidence, thwarting the Bagan attempts on several occasions.
On the other hand, man of the match Rodrigues spearheaded the Mahindra attacks single-handedly, with his upfront partner Abhishek Yadav looking lacklustre. The Brazilian repeatedly caused havoc in the Bagan defence with his silken skills and thrust to deservedly win the man of the match award.
