Indian Super League: Kolkata Derby was won by ATK Mohun Bagan thanks to two goals in the early second half from Hugo Boumous and Manvir Singh.

ATK Mohun Bagan players celebrate a goal. (Courtesy of: PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: ATK Mohun Bagan once again grabbed the bragging rights at the Kolkata Derby after beating their arch-rivals East Bengal in the Indian Super League. This was Mohun Bagan’s fifth straight win in the Kolkata Derby, taking them to fourth in the points list.

Two strikes early in the second half were enough in a messy game between the teams as they failed to reach their full potential. The East Bengal keeper’s goalkeeper howl meant that Mohun Bagan was able to score two quick goals – one from Hugo Boumous and the second from Manvir Singh. While Boumous’s goal could have been held back by the keeper, Manvir’s low shot comfortably defeated Kamaljit Singh after a big deflection from the East Bengal defender.

Juan Ferrando made just one change on ATK Mohun Bagan’s side that sank KBFC in Kochi, with Subhasish Bose replacing Ashique Kuruniyan on the left wing as they transitioned to a 4-3-3.

Stephen Constantine played the same eleven who had taken all three points against NEUFC in Guwahati.

In the first ten minutes of this high-octane match, ATK Mohun Bagan looked menacing. Bose got close when his shot flashed over the goal and was out of play.

East Bengal almost got caught in the eye after 16 minutes, but a header by Thongkhosiem Haokip from a cross by Naorem Singh was saved by Vishal Kaith to safety.

Midway through the first half, Jordan O’Doherty went down in the penalty area after a nudge from Asish Rai.

Ten minutes later, Boumous waltzed into the penalty area, but waited too long to clear his shot. His final attempt was blocked by Sarthak Golui.

The Mariners drew first blood in the 56th minute as Boumous opened up in midfield and tried his luck from afar and it paid off. The ball bounced just in front of Kamaljit Singh and landed in the back of the net.

Before the Torch Bearers could recover, ATK Mohun Bagan doubled their lead just ten minutes later.

Dimitri Petratos’ attempt found its way to Manvir. The striker’s goal shot was slightly deflected on Jerry Lalrinzuala’s boot, beating Kamaljit near the post.

In the 68th minute, Kaith was quick to deny O’Doherty’s powerful long-range attempt. Minutes later, Eliandro dos Santos replaced Ivan Gonzalez and muscled through the ATKMB defence.

He played a superb pass to Cleiton Silva before the attack was thwarted by Mariners substitute Lenny Rodrigues, summarizing East Bengal’s day.

The win lifts ATK Mohun Bagan to fourth place. They are four points away from the top with a match in hand. The Mariners travel to the West Coast to face Mumbai City FC in their next game on November 6.

After losing the derby, East Bengal FC remains in eighth place. They will receive Chennaiyin FC on November 4.