Eugeneson Lyngdoh vindicated all the spotlight he’s been under with a peach of a winner in the 78th minute as Bengaluru FC beat Bharat FC 1-0 to notch their first win at home this I-League season, on Sunday.

A little ahead of the 18-yard box and with the ball at his feet Lyngdoh froze time, picked his spot and with the deftest of touches, placed it past an outstretched Arindam Bhattacharya before indulging in his jump and fist-pump celebration that’s becoming a regular feature.

The Blues endured an almost-catastrophic first minute when defender Curtis Osano’s back-pass left Bharat striker Kris Bright through on goal. The Kiwi was unaware of the time he had as his first time strike went wide of the Bengaluru goal.

Ashley Westwood’s men regrouped and recycled the ball well in their own half to create the first chance of the game in the 18th minute with Beikhokhei Beingaichho’s final cross inches away from being tapped in by Sunil Chhetri at the far post. A few minutes later, Chhetri exchanged passes with Robin Singh but his shot was straight at Bharat ’keeper Arindam Bhattacharya.

Bengaluru started the second half brighter with more structure to their game. The mistakes were fewer and the passing, fluid.

Buoyed by the goal, Bengaluru went on to create a flurry of chances to put the Bharat defence on the back foot. Substitute CK Vineeth injected some much needed pace into the Blues’ arsenal as his bolt down midfield moments later produced a shot that missed Bhattacharya’s post by inches.

Eugeneson almost turned provider when his through ball found Chhetri past the Bharat back-line but the skipper was unable to control the ball to get a clean strike on goal. Bharat pressed hard for the equalizer but the Bengaluru defence were equal to every attack.

The win moved Bengaluru to 6th position on the table as the Blues host Shillong Lajong on Saturday.