XtraTime Web Desk: Quess East Bengal FC gets back into the winning ways after a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC.
East Bengal, after a hat-trick of defeats, started the game with a magical way after scoring two goals in the first quarter. Not only the goals, the Red and Gold brigade played some eye-catching football in the first half. Though the change of bringing on Vidyasagar Singh after the half time, seemed to be a disastrous decision by the East Bengal gaffer. The youngster only offered frustrations to the Red and Gold fans cheering in the stands.
Alejando Menendez Garcia’s team had a dream start as they got their opening goal in the 4th minute of the game. Brandon Vanlalremdika scored a stunner to give East Bengal the lead. Lalram Chullova sent a cross inside the box and Enrique laid-off for Jobby Justin, who fed Brandon with the ball. Brandon slotted the ball home in the far post with an amazing finish.
The Kolkata giant doubled their lead in the 14th minute with another fine goal. Jobby Justin scored the second for East Bengal. Didika sent a through ball down the left flank which found Jobby. The striker entered the box from the left and slotted the ball home with ease.
East Bengal started to struggle in the second half the moment Vidyasagar came in for Mexican Enrique. In the 57th minute, Gokulam reduced the margin after utilizing some consistent pressure. Addo sent an overhead ball which Dagar failed to collect. Sabah tapped the ball into an empty net. Absolute howler from the East Bengal goalkeeper, but it was Borja, who made the initial mistake after a wrong offside trap.
The moment East Bengal seemed to be in trouble because of the lacklustre show by the young Vidyasagar, they ensured their three points with a superb goal through right full-back Chullova. Didika ran down the middle of the park with the ball. From a 3 on 2 situation, Didika squared the ball for Chullova who found the back of the net with a fine finish.
The win lifts East Bengal to the 6th position of the table ahead of the Kolkata derby with 9 points off 6 matches with a better goal difference.