Bagan to lock horns with Tollygunge on Monday

Defending champions Mohun Bagan will be determined to put up an improved performance when they clash with Calcutta outfit Tollygunge Aggragami in the fifth National Football League in Calcutta on Monday.

Bagan, who were held to a 2-2 draw by a fighting JCT Mills in their opening match, can hardly afford to be complacent against the local challengers in what promises to be an exciting contest at the Rabindra Sarovar stadium.

The green and maroon brigade, who have not played competitive soccer for some time, appeared a trifle rusty in their lung-opener against JCT but coach Subrata Bhattacharya was confident that his players will find their rhythm sooner than later.

Tollygunge Aggragami, who lost 0-2 to title aspirants East Bengal in their first match at the same venue, were capable of springing a surprise on any fancied team on their day.

Coach Amal Dutta, who was entrusted with the job again after being unceremoniously sacked earlier this year, will be worried by the ineffectiveness of his strikers while the defenders also did not give a very good account of themselves in the opening match.

The two Tollygunge strikers Abdul Latif Seriki and Mohammed Qizar could not make much of an impact in the opening match and it remains to be seen whether the duo can cause any damage to Bagan.