Mohammedan Sporting Club consolidated their position at the top of the Hero Junior League Kolkata Zonal Round Group B log by beating NBP Rainbow Athletic Club 3-1 at Gayeshpur Ground on Wednesday.

Sujay Buduk (20′), Srimanta Kisku (57′) and William Lalgoulien (79′) were on target for the Young Panthers before Rainbow pulled a goal back though Jit Das (90+3′).

The Young Panthers could have had their biggest win of the campaign had they not opted to slow the pace and take their foot off the pedal in the second-half.

Mohammedan came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute when Mithunendu Mondal met a Irfan Mondal corner-kick, but his six-yard header struck the side netting.

The Young Panthers continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 20th minute.

A swift counter-attack saw Sujay through on goal and he proceeded to superbly chip the onrushing Sourav Mallick to give his side the lead.

Rainbow tried to find their way back into the match and came close in the 27th minute when a thunderous 35-yard shot from Sayan Saha rattled the crossbar.

A minute later the play was at the other end of the park as William drove a low cross into the box which was also turned onto the woodwork from six-yards out by Aftab Ali.

In the 34th minute the frame of the goal was struck for the third time when Srimanta controlled the ball on his chest before firing his 16-yard volley against the crossbar.

The action continued to flow from end to end in what was an exciting first-half, but neither side could find another goal before half-time.

The start of the second-half saw Rainbow dominate all the possession, but they struggled to break down a resolute Mohammedan defence.

Instead, the goal came at the other end, against the run of play, as Srimanta broke the off-side trap and then slotted past Sourav from close range.

Mohammedan never really looked troubled by Rainbow’s efforts on attack and they were to get a further insurance goal in the 79th minute as William produced a clinical finish from just inside the box.

Nonetheless, Rainbow did manage to score a consolation goal in the final minute of stoppage time through substitute Jit Das.

Mohammedan who now have 12 points from 5 matches will face ATK next on April 20, 2019 at Mohammedan Sporting Ground.

(Mohammedan Sporting Club)