Lee Erwin opened his account for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League with a crucial equaliser against Sporting Club Delhi, helping the Mariners secure a 2-1 comeback victory at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday.
After falling behind to Lalrinliana Hnamte's 23rd-minute goal, Mohun Bagan responded strongly after the break. Erwin brought the visitors level in the 56th minute, finishing with his right foot from close range after Rahul Bheke picked him out inside the penalty area. Miguel Figueira then completed the turnaround four minutes later, slotting home after a fine individual run and pass from Lalengmawia Ralte, popularly known as Apuia.
Erwin's goal proved pivotal in a match in which the Scottish forward had
been actively involved in Mohun Bagan's attacking play. He had an effort from outside the box go wide early in the contest, forced a save from SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes in the 39th minute and narrowly missed the target in first-half stoppage time. Fernandes also produced important saves in the second half as Mohun Bagan looked to extend their lead.
Reflecting on his performance and the chances he has had in recent matches, Erwin acknowledged that he could have made better decisions in certain situations. However, he stressed that creating opportunities and testing opposition goalkeepers were positive signs.
"Looking back, you can always say you should have done better, but in the heat of the moment, you have only a split second to decide whether to take the shot or control the ball. That's part of the game. What gives me confidence is that I'm getting into the right positions and creating chances, and I'm making the goalkeeper work. He made a great save in the second half, which I thought was going to be a goal. In the previous match, I hit the crossbar, so you could say I've missed a few chances," he said after the match.
"But I'm confident that I'll continue to get these opportunities and keep testing the goalkeeper. I believe it's only a matter of time before things start falling into place for me. I'm positive, and I'm happy to have got the goal," the Scottish striker added.
I want to win Trophies with Mohun Bagan: Lee Erwin
When asked about the pressure of playing at Mohun Bagan, Erwin further stressed the fact of his will to win trophies with the Kolkata club.
"At a club of this size, there is always going to be pressure. It doesn't matter what position you hold, whether you're a player, a member of the staff or anyone else. All you can do is work hard every day. Personally, even if I don't score another goal for the rest of the season, but we win all the trophies, I'll be happy. That's why I came to Mohun Bagan. I chose this club because I want to fight for titles. It's a new experience and a new challenge for me, and hopefully, it will be a successful one, with some trophies at the end of the season," he concluded.
Erwin has already won a trophy with the Mariners as they won the IFA Shield, and he will be hoping to rack up the Indian Super League at the end of this season.
