Man of the Match Subrata Paul's fine performance at the post helped Salgaocar FC hold Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw in the 3rd round of the Hero I-League football here today.
Salgaocar enjoyed better ball possession in the first half but the visitors put up an aggressive performance after the break, making inroads with repeated forays. Sony Norde, who was a constant threat to the rival defence, was denied by Paul on a couple of occasions.
Paul put up an inspiring performance, especially in the second half, bringing off at least three close saves.
When Paul was breached in the 58th minute after misjudging a spinning ball from defender Gurjinder Singh's clearance, referee Santosh Kumar disallowed the goal due to a foul by Balwant Singh.
Bagan now have four points from two matches, while Salgaocar FC have two points from three games.
The first half was fought evenly with neither team's defense giving away the ball. Salgaocar FC, who were looking for their first win after losing against Royal Wahingdoh, got off to a good start and had the first chance to go ahead, but Bikash Jairu's shot lacked power.
Bagan made inroads into the rival box with a long ball and Norde, who was a constant threat for the rival defence, had a couple of clear chances.
Norde troubled the rival defence with his speedy run but Paul was up to the task, coming out in the nick of time to deny him a goal in the closing stages of the first half.
After the change of ends, Bagan put up an aggressive performance with Norde nearly finding the net. Paul too made a diving save to put out Pritam Kotal's stiff grounder.
