CFL 2017 table: Mohun Bagan take a decisive three-point lead over East Bengal after 2-1 win over Peerless

Mohun Bagan took a three-point lead today after winning 2-1 against Peerless in a game that was shrouded in controversy. Bagan, who came into the game level on points with bitter-rivals East Bengal after seven rounds of enthralling action in the Calcutta Football League went ahead in the 32nd minute thanks to a well-taken goal by Nikhil Kadam whose sweeping half-volley gave the keeper no chance.

Peerless, however, were up for a fight and exploited Bagan's defensive frailties when Dodoz drew level just before half-time. The Mariners took back the lead in the 62nd minute when Bayi Kamo slotted in coolly past Rajni Kumar but not before turmoil took over the game because of the decision.

The tackle on Azharuddin Mallick by the veteran Syed Rahim Nabi looked to be well outside the box with the momentum taking the Bagan winger into the box. Peerless players surrounded the referee with Nabi clearly giving visual indications that the referee had been paid off by Mohun Bagan.

Bagan controlled the game the rest of the way following the controversy/

Bagan had the first slip of the season when they drew again Rainbow AC. East Bengal after having a clear two-point lead heading into the seventh round, however, squandered their advantage when they were held 2-2 by Mohammedan Sporting in their last game.

East Bengal will play their penultimate game against Tollygunge Agragami tomorrow before the all vital Kolkata derby on 24th September, which will take place at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri.

Here is the updated CFL 2017 table after today's game:

1 Mohun Bagan - 22 points - 8 matches

2 East Bengal - 19 points - 7 matches

3 Mohammedan Sporting - 14 points - 8 matches

4 Peerless - 9 points - 5 matches

5 Rainbow - 8 points - 7 matches

6 Tollygunge Agragami - 7 points - 5 matches

7 Calcutta Customs - 6 points - 7 matches

8 Patha Chakra - 4 points - 7 matches

9 Southern Samity - 1 point - 4 matches

10 Railway - 0 point - 5 matches