Kolkata: East Bengal’s newly recruited foreign defender Carlyle Mitchell became the savior of the side as the Red & Gold Brigade managed to beat Customs 2-0 in their second match of the Calcutta League thanks to Mitchell’s brace in the second half of the game.
Mitchell looked very happy after his team’s win.” Well it’s great to score two goals and win the match. First of all I am a defender and my work is to defend for my team. If I get goals that’s a bonus for me and I have enjoyed today’s match a lot,” said Mitchell.
On being asked about his two goals the Trinidad and Tobago defender said,” I am accustomed to score goals from set pieces. If I get the right delivery I will definitely score.”
Mitchell looked very happy with the supporters of the Red & Gold Brigade.” I am happy that I am scoring for the side and they are backing the side really well with their support. I don’t feel any pressure here. I am here to enjoy the game.”
This is not the first time that Mitchell has scored a goal to give a side a much needed win.” I have scored a lot of goals in Korea, MLS and in Trinidad as well in these kinds of situations and this is nothing new for me. I just want to play well and help my team to win the matches.”
His fellow countryman, Willis Plaza didn’t score a goal in both the matches. Mitchell backed Plaza as well at the post match press-conference,” He is a very good striker and will surely score goal in next matches. Don’t pressurize him by saying that he cannot score. It’s a matter of time that he will score for the side.”
East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil was seen happy with his team’s performance though his side got their first goal on the 77th minute of the game.” Everybody played well and I am happy that we have won back to back matches. My main focus is the outcome of the result. We have to play 90 minutes in the field. If you score early goals that is good but ultimately the result is which matters the most.”
On being asked about the performance of Plaza, Khalid replied,” I don’t have any complain. I believe in Plaza. He is a good player and he will definitely score for the side in next matches.
Khalid Jamil was seen very pleased about Mitchell,” I am very happy with Mitchell’s performance. He scored both the goals from set pieces which is very good.”
A controversy had happened during the 63rd minute of the game when the score was 0-0. East Bengal goal-keeper Luis Barreto saved a ball with his hands against Custom’s forward Joseph. Joseph claimed that Barreto had gathered the ball outside the 18 yards box, which could resulted as a direct red card for the goal-keeper and free-kick to the opposition. But the referee gave nothing in favour of Customs.
While replying about the matter Khalid said,” It’s the referee who takes the final call on the pitch. Whatever he has decided is good.”
Custom’s coach Srikanta Ghosh told,” The incident had happened in front of everybody. The referee has seen everything. I have nothing to say about this.”