XtraTime Web Desk – After a thrilling 1-1 draw in the first leg of the league, both the teams locked level once again in the Indian Super League.
The starting of the match was quite dramatic. FC Goa were playing all Indian defenders because of card and injury issues while their coach was also unavailable because of card problems. To that, Dheeraj Singh, FC Goa’s newest signing started the match.
The initial few minutes were dramatic becuse SC East Bengal was awarded a penalty in the 19th second of the match. Narayan Das intercepted and was moving towards the goal when he was brought down in the D-box. However, Anthony Pilkington failed to keep the shot on target and SC East Bengal failed to score early.
Goa wasn’t very far. Soon after that, they build up a beautiful attack but Igor Angulo’s shot was pretty direct and Debjit made a decent save to keep the score level.
Pilkington once again missed a good chance created by Bright Enobakhare in the 28th minute. He had to beat just one player but Pilkington’s backflip neither had the power nor the placement. Post that, Debjit once again pulled off a brilliant save as Jorge’s freekick was brilliantly saved by the keeper. It was a top corner shot and Debjit’s perfect jump and movement kept the ball out.
He though couldn’t rescue SC East Bengal when Igor Angulo scored in the 39th minute. Back in the team after injury, Angulo was basking in the glory.
It was a slow start from both the teams in the second half. SC East Bengal however looked to organize better and the result was there in the scoresheet. Captain Danny Fox equalised for the Bangal brigade in the 65th minute of the match.
Just a minute later, Edu Bedia was sent off after recieving his second yellow card in the match. With that, FC Goa were down to 10 men but most importantly, their already broken team lost their commander. In the 75th minute, SC East Bengal got an huge chance to go ahead but youngster Dheeraj Singh was right at it and surely put his name in the list of best saves.
Post that SC East Bengal could manage another chance but once again it was Dheeraj Singh who was brilliant and kept the ball out. The match ended 1-1 and Robbie Fowler and his boys will be disappointed with the result. Coach Fowler also needs to focus on Jeje’s form and Ajay Chettri’s passing ability. SC East Bengal currently stands 10th in the table with 13 points from 14 games while Goa remained at third with 21 points from 14 games.