By Mohammedan SC Media

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club started their Final Round campaign of the Second Division League 2015-16 with a clinical 1-0 win over LoneStar Kashmir FC in Kolkata on Sunday.

Super-sub Ajay Singh struck the all-important goal in the third minute of the first half stoppage time to collect all three points in the final round opener.

Mohammedan SC began the game in attacking mode and created the first close chance in the second minute through striker Sheikh Faiz, who did well to cut in past a couple of Kashmir FC defenders from the left but his effort sailed inches over the crossbar.

As the half progressed, Mohammedan SC started dominating the possession. On the other hand, Kashmir FC defended deep and had their keeper Harpreet Singh to thank as he denied James Moga, Tonmoy Ghosh and Manish Maithani on several occasions.

However, Mohammedan SC did manage to break the deadlock in the closing minutes of the first half when Ajay, who replaced Nagen Tamang in the 32nd minute, scored off a pass from Manish to give the hosts a slender advantage at the interval.

The second half was a similar story as Mohammedan SC dominated the majority of the proceedings looking to increase the tally. While they pushed up front, close chances fell for forwards Moga, Ajay and Pritam Singh but the trio lacked the finishing panache in the final third.

Towards the end of the game, Kashmir FC went agonisingly close finding the equaliser when a penalty was awarded to the visitors after Tanmoy handled the ball inside the 18-yard box. Shoaib Sayed stepped up to convert from the spot but the Pune FC Academy cadet shot his effort wide of the target as the game ended 1-0 in favour of Mohammedan SC.

Mohammedan SC are slated to host Minerva Academy FC in the second round on Sunday, 3rd April 2016 at the Barasat Stadium.