I-League: Maiden home win for Kashmir

Srinagar: super strike from Surchandra Singh and a well-judged header from Bazie Armand saw Real Kashmir pull off a 2-0 win over Indian Arrows for its maiden victory at home in the Hero I-League here on Sunday.

The Kashmir players seemed in a hurry to score as they played long balls often, taking advantage of their height advantage.

Kashmir broke through in the 25th minute when Surchandra made no mistake in finding the back of the net from a brilliant cross from Mason Lee Robertson. It was also the first home goal for Kashmir.

In the 68th minute, a beautiful corner kick from Surchandra, followed by a lofted shot from Danish Farooq to Armand saw the Cote D’ivorian make no mistake in doubling the lead with an excellent header.

Meanwhile in Kolkata, visiting Churchill Brothers embarrassed Mohun Bagan 3-0 after former Trinidad and Tobago international Willis Plaza made a stunning return to the city, heading in a brace on Sunday.

Forced to leave the maidan after parting ways with East Bengal earlier this year, Plaza looked in ominous form and struck in a quick succession (51st and 55th) to become the leading scorer with five goals to his name.

He had scored a hat-trick in their 4-2 win over Shillong Lajong in the previous match.

Captain Dawda Ceesay had drawn first blood for the visitors in the 21st minute with an easy tap-in.

The Goans jumped to second spot with nine points from five matches, while Mohun Bagan (eight) slipped to fourth in the table, one point and spot ahead of Real.

The result:

Real Kashmir 2 (Surchandra Singh 25, Bazie Armand 68) bt Indian Arrows 0; Mohun Bagan 0 lost to Churchill Brothers 3 (Dawda Ceesay 21, Willis Plaza 51, 55.