XtraTime Web Desk- First point and first clean sheet for SC Bengal in the Indian Super League. Jamshedpur failed to capitalise as SC East Bengal played majority of the match with one man down.
Jamshedpur started the game just like how they did against ATK Mohun Bagan. Attack was the only mantra for the red miners. The created of chance but none could pass Shankar Roy. Aniket missed an open chance in the 6th minute that could’ve given Jamshedpur the lead right at the start. Minutes later, on the 24th minute mark, SC East Bengal were down to ten men as Eugenson Lyngdoh was shown a second yellow and he was given the marching order. This decision was very harsh according to the commentators and fans on internet. Lyngdoh got the ball but also took a Jamshedpur player with him during a slide tackle.
Robbie Fowler looked very disappointed in the sideline as his team lost a player in just 24 minutes. SC East Bengal however fought hard. Shankar Roy was at his absolute best as he saved couple of good shots from Jamshedpur’s main man, Nerijus Valskis. Jamshedpur was also unlucky as Eze’s header hit the top bar in the 38th minute. The first half ended 0-0 but it was mostly dominated by Jamshedpur players.
In just 15 mins of the second half, the man who was in brilliant form for SC East Bengal, Shankar Roy was taken off because of an injury. Debjit Majumdar replaced him. The fate didn’t change however. Being a side with an extra player, Jamshedpur kept that pressure in SC East Bengal’s defence. Another shot of theirs, hit the bar as Alex tried to volley it from outside the box. SC East Bengal then missed a close one in the 84th minute but without a proper striker, there will be moments like this throughout the season. Laldinliana Renthlei received a red card in the 92nd minute and Jamshedpur were down to 10 man as well. The match ended 0-0 as both the teams kept their first clean sheet of the season.