David Williams’ 33rd-minute strike proved the difference as ATK Mohun Bagan got the better of Bengaluru FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Monday.
The Australian scored his first goal of the campaign with a stunner which was enough to inflict on Bengaluru, their first defeat of the season.
The win took the Kolkata side level to 16 points from seven matches, the same as Mumbai City FC. Bengaluru stayed third with 12 points.
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.
In the 11th minute, Subhasish Bose drilled in a low cross for Manvir, who got the better of Bheke. But his first-time shot was easily caught by the keeper Gurpreet. His second attempt was set up by Garcia with a sublime through ball, which was also dealt with by the Bengaluru keeper. Sunil Chhetri did test Arindam Bhattacharja but it went straight to the ATKMB custodian.
ATKMB deservingly took the lead at the half-hour mark. David Williams finally opened his account this season with a stunning goal, displaying composure and class. Carl McHugh found Williams with a long ball, which the latter controlled with an excellent first touch. The Australian created room, getting into the middle of the park before firing a shot into the top-right corner. Gurpreet couldn’t get his hand to the ball despite diving full length.