NEW DELHI, January 3: A stunning goal by prolific striker Biman Mondal two minutes before the final whistle enabled Bengal dethrone holders Bihar 1-0 and win the National Sub Junior Football Championship here today.Mondal goal which ended Bihar's three year reign over the National Sub Junior Championship came off a counter attack. The Bengal striker with a lightning speed ran down the left flank dribbled past two defenders and then beat the onrushing custodian Vikramjit Singh with an angular shot (1-0).
Mondal's goal saw the justice Mir Iqbal Hussain trophy returning to Bengal for the sixth time. The last time Bengal won the title and the trophy was in 1993 at Hyderabad.In a well contested final Bengal were able to successfully thwart Bihar's game plan, who were not not only favourites but were slightly better than their rivals in the first half.
The only chance that came Bihar's way in the first session was in the 15th minute when James Metei sent a superb through pass from the middle to striker Mohd
Qaiser,but the latter fumbled at the goal-mouth.The second half saw Bengal playing a much better game and put the defending champions under pressure. Bengal increased their attacks and Bihar's game fell apart and they crowded their defence to foil the rival moves.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
