Kolkata: Riding on Laldanmawia Ralte’s double and former Mariners Katsumi and Ferreira’s goals, Kolkata heavyweights East Bengal bounced back with an inspired 5-1 win against Shillong Lajong at the Vidyasagar Krirangan in Barasat on Saturday. Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amnah scored the opening goal in the 14th minute, breaking open the Lajong defence that were yet to concede a goal in the competition.
Changes were called for by many after the Red and Gold’s defeat to Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata derby and under pressure Khalid Jamil made as many as five changes with Gurwinder and Mehtab Singh, Deepak Kumar, Brandon Vanlalrmdika and goalkeeper Luis Barreto all getting the axe, while Arnab Mondal along with Cavin Lobo earned their first start.
Desperate for a win, the Red and Gold brigade began with an attacking intent from the start, with Willis Plaza coming close to scoring when Amna released him clear. But as has been the scenario this season the Trinidad and Tobago striker faltered. Al Amna however did not fail to score, giving East Bengal their opening goal as early as the 14th minute.
Six minutes later East Bengal had their second when the duo of Katsumi and Eduardo Ferreira combined well, with the latter scoring from the Japanese’s cross. Ralte tripled the score in the 52nd minute with another slick pass from Al Amna. The 64th minute saw the youngster double his tally from a rebound after Lajong defence failed to clear a ball.
The Red and Gold brigade may have excelled but it was another disappointing match for Plaza who missed another sitter, before he was eventually substituted in the 75th minute. As if the drama was not over, East Bengal made another mockery of the Lajong defence when Yusa scored a fifth from a penalty for minutes later.
Lajong did find the net in the dying minutes of the game, but it was too late for a comeback.
Neroca register a convincing 3-0 victory over Gokulam
I-League debutants Neroca FC notched up a comfortable 3-0 vict over newbies Gokulam at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Saturday. Two first half goals form Felix Chidi and Pritam Singh and a final minute header from Ronald Singh was enough for the Mizoram side to secure their first victory over the season .