Title contenders Sheikh Russel KC overcame a big hurdle as they edged past Mohammedan SC with a 1-0 victory in their Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League encounter at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Defender Rezaul Karim Reza struck only goal of the match, which was resembled more of a dogfight than a football match, to propel the former champions to their second consecutive win and condemn the Black and Whites to their first defeat in three matches.

Sheikh Russel struggled against the pace of a youthful Mohammedan side but goalkeeper Mamun Khan stood tall to foil all the attacks from the Black and Whites. Khan superbly snatched a cross of Arup Kumar from the head of Towhidul Alam Sabuj in the 35th minute before he saw Mohammad Ebrahim's low drive  creep wide of the goal.

Sheikh Russel reorgansied after the break and had more impact on the game, with Paul Emile going close to giving them the lead, but Mohammedan goalkeeper Mohammad Nehal was equal to the task.

Like the previous match, winger Zahid Hossain turned the provider for the decisive goal as his swerving cross from the right flag was headed home by Rezaul. Five minutes later, Zahid Hasan Emily put the ball into the net, but this time the off-side flag denied them a second goal.

Mohammedan launched some sporadic attacks in the second half but they failed to get the better of Sheikh Russel defender Bojan Petric, who was putting on a stellar performance throughout the game.

Mohammedan's best chance of the match came in the 68th minute when Jewel Rana's square pass found Isamel Bangoura in an unmarked position, but the Guinean's attempt was blocked by Khan as Sheikh Russel left the field with full points. 

BROTHERS NOTCH FIRST WIN

Meanwhile, Brothers Union tasted their first victory in their third match with a comfortable 3-1 win over Farashganj SC, who suffered their second defeat in as many matches.

After a barren first half, Nigerian forward Adam Jankasa put Brothers ahead with a placing shot in the 50th minute before Augustine Walson of Haiti doubled in the55th minute.

Farashganj showed signs fight Nigerian Peter Akinyele reducing the margin in the 78th minute with a header but Jankasa ensured Brothers' maiden win after flicking the ball home five minutes from time.