U-18 I-League: United SC defeats Mohammedan SC in Kolkata Zone opener.

Mohammedan Sporting Club went down fighting 0-1 to United Sports Club in the Kolkata Zonal Round of the opener U-18 I-League played here on Tuesday.

Despite dominating majority of the proceedings, Dipankar Baral's first half strike handed Mohammedan SC a defeat at home. Mohammedan SC started off brightly and had the first chance to take the lead as early as the 5th minute but Sachin Singh headed straight to United SC goalkepeer Avijit Kar from Sourav Das' right sided cross. Mohammedan SC, then, six minutes later got another chance but Jitendar Jiaswar failed to keep his effort on target from Parwej Ali's pass. While Mohammedan SC pressed high up,United SC managed to take the lead against the run of the play at the other end. Dipankar capitalised on a defensive error to beat Mohammedan SC keeper Subrata Das from close range in the 17th minute. Having conceded, Mohammedan SC began attacking with intensity through Rajat Mondal, Jitendar, and Sachin, but rivals United SC managed to hold on defending deep as the first half ended 0-1. On resumption of play, Mohammedan SC made some desperate efforts to come back into the match, however the United defense led by skipper Sujay Oraow along with their keeper Avijit proved a hard nut to crack. Mohammedan SC, having created numerous half chances, went extremely close on two occasions midway through the session. First it was Arpon Mali whose headed effort off an corner was denied by Avijit in the 59th minute. Then Avijit followed it up with another save three minutes later, this time to block Sachin who smashed a powerful low drive from outside the box. Meanwhile, at the other end, Sandip Bhattacharjee ran down the right flank and sent a low cross inside the Mohammedan SC box, however Subrata came with a timely collection before onrushing Dipankar could do any damage. Towards the end of the game, Mohammedan SC went agonisingly close through Sachin but the youngster was denied as the game ended 1-0. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Mohammedan SC now plays Southern Samity in the second round on Wednesday, November 23 at the Howrah Stadium.