Xtra Time Web Desk: SC East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC shared spoils in their opening fixtures of Indian Super League (ISL 2021-22) game at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Sunday.
SC East Bengal centre back Franjo Prce gave his side the lead in the 17th minute. Bikash Jairu swung in a corner that goalkeeper Rehenesh TP managed to parry off. Antonio Perosevic brought it back into play for Hnamte to lay it in for Prce, whose back volleyed effort found its way into the net.
Jamshedpur, eager to get back had Nerijus Valskis press upfront. The only time Valskis came close to scoring was around the half-hour mark when his shot grazed wide of the post.
Peter Hartley left it till the brink of half-time to level the scores. Alex Lima’s flag-kick had Valskis flick it off for his captain who appeared to shoulder the ball past Arindam Bhattacharya, as SC East Bengal were left to rue their defensive error.
Ishan Pandita and Komal Thatal’s introduction in the second half gave an impetus to Valskis. The Lithuanian had a shot saved by last season’s Golden Glove winner Arindam after Ishan had a near sniff at goal.
Even Diaz tried his hands at substitutions. Amir Dervisevic and Jackichand Singh replaced Daniel Chima and young Hnamte around the hour mark.
Murray was brought in for Valskis with 20 minutes to go but both teams displayed extraordinary discipline in the second half. Jamshedpur though, looked increasingly favourites but could not pose a serious threat.
SC East Bengal next face arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata derby at this very ground on Saturday.