Bengaluru FC inched closer to a semifinal place of the Federation Cup after substitute Robin Singh smashed home a 50th minute winner against Shillong Lajong FC at the Tilak Maidan, on Friday. The 1-0 win took Ashley Westwood’s team to top of the Group B table with seven points from three games.

Westwood made as many as four changes from the team that played Mohun Bagan AC on Tuesday. Eugeneson Lyngdoh made his way back to the midfield, replacing Darren Caldeira while Thoi Singh sat out for what was Siam Hanghal’s first game of this Federation Cup. Lalchhuanmawia too got his first start in the tournament, coming in for Keegan Pereira at the left-back position and CK Vineeth started ahead of Beikhokhei Beingaichho.

The first half was strictly a Bengaluru affair and the constant threat from both wings had Lajong parking the bus deep inside their own half. Josh Walker, bossing the midfield with deft touches and impeccable distribution, made sure Vineeth and Sunil Chhetri were busy down the flanks. Braving and dealing with a flurry of corners, Lajong almost succumbed to one in the 38th minute when John Johnson’s header from a Walker take come off the crossbar.

Westwood rung in his first change at the switch of sides, bringing in Robin for Vineeth. All it took was five minutes for the striker to vindicate the gaffer’s move when, after picking a pass from Sunil Chhetri, he unleashed a strike that took a bit off the post before going in. Not that Bengaluru were devoid of spark but the goal seemed to have only furthered the drive. Walker and Chhetri could have had goals of their own before another of Robin’s scorchers came off the bar on the hour mark.

Pushed to play deep by the constant Bengaluru attacks, Lajong were waiting to spring a charge of their own off counters but the Blues’ defence that has now had two clean sheets in as many games, refused to be caught off guard.

Lajong’s had a half chance to rescue a point when, with six minutes to fulltime, Redeem Tlang laid one up for Seiminlen Doungel whose first-time shot drew a save from Lalthuammawia Ralte.

Bengaluru FC play their last league game on Monday when they take on Pune FC who have four points from two games.