East Bengal bounces back to snatch a crucial victory against Southern Samity

Do-Dong Hyun and Jiten Murmu scored for East Bengal. Xtra Time
Do-Dong Hyun and Jiten Murmu scored for East Bengal. Xtra Time

Barasat: East Bengal came out with a sensational reply as the Red & Gold brigade played some inexorable attacking football to beat Southern Samity by 2-1, after conceding an early goal in the Calcutta Football League match at Barasat Stadium today.

Trevor James Morgan’s side conceded an early goal owing to some lackadaisical defending by Calum Angus in the 7th minute of the game. Southern’s Liberian forward Taurus delivered an excellent cross from the left flank as Basant Singh tapped the ball at the back of the net with a fine header.

After conceding the goal, the Red & Gold brigade started to play some breath-taking football as the combined attack of Dika, Dong, Rafique and Jairu simply annihilated the Southern Defense. Lalrindika Ralte’s powerful long range effort in the 28th minute was one of the prime examples when the Southern’s goalkeeper was completely flabbergasted as he somehow kept it out.
The incessant attacks resulted the ultimate intention as East Bengal scored the equalizer. In the 35th minute, Mehtab Hossain’s in-swinging corner kick was brilliantly headed by Jiten Murmu to score his 3rd goal of the Calcutta Football League.

The tides of attacks continued to disturb Southern Samity defense as Jairu’s goal bound strike was stopped by Southern midfielder Tamang with his hand in the added time. The referee was close to the spot and took no time to award a penalty kick to East Bengal. Do Dong Hyun made no mistake to give the lead just before the half time.

In the second half, the league leaders continued to create the rhythmic attacks. Md.Rafique’s stinging effort needed an outstanding save from Southern custodian Sourav. Southern’s Nigerian defender Eche played like a leader on the heart of the defense as the Red & Gold brigade couldn’t make it a goal-fest.

East Bengal’s midfield general played a superb game as the loopholes of the Red & Gold defense was efficiently covered. Though the Southern side put up a solid display in their defense in the second half. The battle between former Tollygunge Agragami Team mates Mehtab Hossain and Ashim Biswas got resurrected in their combative body language, though Ashim came on as a substitute.

The only thing which can raise the eye-brows of the East Bengal coach, is the continuous goal drought of Nigerian forward Adileja. Though the overall performance would certainly give a satisfying note to the East Bengal camp ahead of the Kolkata Derby on 7th September. Mehtab Hossain was adjudged Man of the match.

Mehtab Hossain said, “We have to be more constructive in our next game as five of our front line players will be missing for the national duties. The forwards need to score more goals with the opportunities they are getting if we want do well in the next few games.”

Coach Morgan was a bit bothered with the way his team became a bit defensive in the second half as he said,”I am extremely happy with the way my team came back in the first half. It was tremendous. But in the send half we allowed the opposition to put a bit of pressure as my players suddenly tried to sit back deep. If your midfielders do that as well, it puts immense pressure on the side.”
Morgan seemed a bit worried in the press conference as he won’t get the service of 4 key players in the next game. Trevor said,” I have the replacement of Arnab in Gurwinder and Narayan in Robert. The test would be to select alternatives of Rafique and Jairu. We have to handle it sensibly.”

Meanwhile, East Bengal supporters booed at Trevor Morgan and defender Calum Angus before leaving the stadium as East Bengal could not extend their lead in the second half.