XtraTime Web Desk: East Bengal has started their journey in the 2018/19 I-League season brilliantly as they beat Neroca FC 2-0 in a crucial away game at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal. Both the goals were scored by their newly signed Mexican forward Enrique Esqueda who today showed his class throughout the game. Debutante Enrique was adjudged Man of the Match for his brace.
The Red & Gold brigade played good tactical football today throughout the game. Though the ball position was in Neroca’s favour but the visitors created most of the chances in front of the goal. East Bengal’s Mexican forward Enrique Esqueda who made his debut today opened the score sheet with a brilliant strike on the 10th minute of the game. Young Manoj Mohammad threw the ball inside the penalty box and a defender of Neroca misjudged the ball and headed it straight to Esqueda and he didn’t do any wrong to score brilliantly with his right foot.
The East Bengal defence also looked very good in their first game. Another debutante Spain’s Borja Gomez was also rock solid in the defence. Young Manoj also played his top game today as during the game he saved almost a sure goal. Just a minute ahead of the finish of the first half Enrique could have doubled his lead but was brilliant shot just went wide.
On the 48th minute of the Enrique doubled the lead for the Red & Gold Brigade though the penalty.
Laldanmawia Ralte was wrongfully fouled by Denechandram Meitei and the referee didn’t hesitate to give the penalty to East Bengal. Enrique did nothing wrong and scored his second goal with a powerful shot. After scoring he pointed his jersey to the fans while celebrating. On the 73rd minute of the game he made a goal line save of Eduardo Ferriera’s header.
The footballers of the home side played quite a rough football against East Bengal. Due to a hard tackle the referee showed a yellow card to Eduardo. Katsumi too was seen in bad mood. Beside that Shubhash Singh also saw a yellow card for his poor tackle on Kamalpreet Singh.
In the last season East Bengal played out draw in both occasions. But this time they have started their journey in the I-League this season brilliantly. The East Bengal supporters also came in numbers to support their team against Neroca.