East Bengal play out goalless draw with JCT, Lajong lose
East Bengal succeeded in not conceding any goal in their third round match against JCT but then they didn’t score either, allowing their opponents return home with a more than satisfactory four points from two matches. Somshuvra Laha reports.
East Bengal succeeded in not conceding any goal in their third round match against JCT but then they didn’t score either, allowing their opponents return home with a more than satisfactory four points from two matches. Earlier on Thursday, JCT had defeated Mohun Bagan 2-1.
East Bengal set the pace early, with Bhutia, Yakubu and left-half Syed Rahim Nabi. In one move, Bhutia collected a neat cross from Nabi but his grounder missed the far post by inches.
Nabi was again in the thick of things in the 20th minute when he made a solo run down the left flank, weaved his way past the defence to launch into a ferocious piledriver that was brilliantly parried by JCT custodian Karanjit Singh.
JCT, for the better part of the first 45 minutes, were pegged back in their own half by a zealous East Bengal.
Change of ends saw Bhowmick introducing Beimgaichho Beikhokhei as left half while pulling down Nabi to left-back. That dried up the openings from the left, allowing JCT backline more breathing space.
The hosts had another chance to make things count in the 73rd minute when Bhutia headed over a Nirmal Chhetri free-kick to Nabi but he was late in reacting, allowing Karanjit to lunge at the ball. Defender Daljit Singh erred in giving away a free-kick on the fringe of the 18-yard box but that too went abegging.
Dempo trounce Lajong
Margao: Dempo thrashed newly promoted Lajong FC 4-1 at home in Margao on Sunday. Striker Sunil Chhetri scored a brace for the winners. The Goans played with purpose and found the target thrice before the break.