A first half strike from David Williams gave ATK Mohun Bagan a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.

The game was off to a tight start as both teams looked to take control of proceedings. The Blues, continuing to employ a high line, caught the opposition offside thrice in the opening quarter. 

ATKMB looked threatening from the start and had good opportunities to convert their dominance into goals. But Manvir Singh saw both his efforts easily saved by the keeper during the first quarter.

Bengaluru’s first chance fell to Erik Paartalu in the 19th minute as a sweeping clearance from Gurpreet found him clear on goal. Unfortunately for Carles Cuadrat’s men, his header found Arindam Bhattacharjee’s eager arms. It was Sunil Chhetri’s turn next, as his left-footed shot was again straight at Arindam in goal.

David Williams scored a scintillating goal in the 33rd minute of the match to secure important three points for ATK Mohun Bagan. The Australian received long ball on the left edge of the box and then cut in to the middle, going past Harmanjot Khabra and Pratik Choudhary before pulling the trigger. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had no chance of stopping the shot.

Watching his side struggle to create any meaningful play, Cuadrat made three changes at the hour mark, bringing in Fran Gonzalez, Leon Augustine and Opseth in place of Erik Paaratlu, Pratik Chaudhari and Brown.

Bengaluru pushed hard for the equaliser but the ATKMB defence was at their best, as they helped their team hold on to the one-goal advantage.

The second half ended the same way the first half had as Habas’ side held on for their fifth win of the season.

ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC remained in their respective second and third position on the league table after today’s result. While the Mariners are tied on points with leaders Mumbai City (16), Bengaluru have 12 from seven outings.