Calcutta, March 31 :
Calcutta, March 31:
None considered Tollygunge Agragami to be a force to reckon with when the Tata National Football League got underway. But at the home stretch of the marathon race, this non-glamour club has become an important entity.
Dangerous floaters, who have little to lose or gain anyway, Tollygunge have spoiled many parties and title-aspirants Mohun Bagan find themselves in an encouraging position following yesterday's 2-2 draw between Tollygunge and leaders Churchill Brothers in Goa.
After that anti-climax, the race for the title has opened up once again and like in the last lap of a marathon, there is no room to take things for granted. The finishing point well in sight and among the few with any realistic chance of reaching their first is Mohun Bagan.
The former champions take on a team in tomorrow's 19th-round clash that was very much in the hunt till the halfway stage. Things have changed since and with 27 points from 18 matches, all the Mumbai outfit Mahindra United can now hope for is a decent finish. Motivation-wise, therefore, tomorrow's clash is not going to be one between equals but that doesn't stop the game from being interesting, at least potentially.
With everything to play for, Mohun Bagan will try to snatch three points so that they stay close on the heels of leaders Churchill Brothers. Mohun Bagan are on 35 points - just a point behind Churchill.
'I have to take care of the pressure now. I am determined to get all the points possible from the rest of the matches, especially the ones before Churchill,' said Mohun Bagan coach Subrata Bhattacharya.
There is no injury problem in his team and there is no card concern either. All the players are charged up and keen to avenge the 0-2 defeat suffered against Mahindra in Mumbai.
Mahindra have plenty to worry about. India goalkeeper Virender Singh is uncertain and latest in the long list of injuries is midfielder Khalid Jamil. Add to this the pressure of taking on a hungry Mohun Bagan in their den and the task looks uphill.
'We are out of the race as far as the title is concerned but can still secure a decent position. That's our motivation now and the players are determined to end on a high,' said Mahindra coach Harish Rao.
Mahindra's away record this season, especially in Goa and Calcutta, has been dismal and that is a major reason behind their below-par showing. 'We got one point from three games in Goa and yet to collect anything from two outings here. Tomorrow is our chance to salvage something from Salt Lake Stadium,' said Rao.
It will take some effort to achieve that. True, Mohun Bagan's defence doesn't inspire awe among many but there is a creative midfield where Basudeb Mondal, Rennedy Singh, R.P. Singh and James Singh can be quite threatening.
And then there is Jose Ramirez Barreto, who has proved time and again that he alone can be the difference between Mohun Bagan and any other Indian club. Subrata's most precious weapon is fit as ever and buttoned up to take his team ahead.





