Pune: Nine-men Bharat FC beat Goan giants Salgaocar FC 2-0 in an I-League Round 7 match at the Balewadi Stadium here on Sunday.
The debutantes registered their first I-League win.
Subhash Singh drew the first blood for the hosts in the 23rd minute, following an assist from Kris Bright. The ball was delivered by Lester Fernandes from the corner and Bright’s stinger came off Salgaocar goalie Subrata Paul. On the rebound, Subhash made no errors in slotting the ball home comfortably.
In the additional time of the first 45 minutes, Bright doubled the lead for his side following a spot kick, earned after a foul by Subrata on him inside the box.
Bright made no mistake in converting the penalty.
Bharat FC defender Ravanan Dharmaraj and substitute Vignesh Gunashekar collected two yellows each and were given marching orders by the referee during the game.
Salgaocar had their chance to pull a goal back in the dying minutes, but Douhou Pierre missed the penalty. Arindam Bhattacharya stayed still and held the ball which came straight at him comfortably.
Bharat FC now move to the 10th spot, ahead of Sporting Goa, while Salgaocar FC stay put at the sixth. (PTI)
