KOLKATA: East Bengal made it three wins in as many matches as they edged Army XI 2-1 in their
Calcutta Football League Premier Division A encounter at the
Barasat Stadium
here on Friday.
After the first session failed to produce a goal, it was
Mohammad Rafique and Jiten Murmu who scored a goal apiece to put the red and golds 2-0 ahead early in the second half. Army XI managed to pull a goal back through Alwyn E late in the match but East Bengal managed to hold on bring home full points.
The defending champions climbed to the top of the table with nine points while Army XI stayed on three.
East Bengal, who had started with defender Calum Angus and striker Somide Adelaja as the two foreigners with Do Dong-hyun on the bench, had a few opportunities to forge into the lead in the opening half. Murmu missed a gilt-edged chance while Army XI defender Nimtshiring Bhutia effected a goalline clearance to deny Lalrindika Ralte.
However, three minutes into the second session, Rafique managed to break the deadlock when he took the opportunity to shoot home after a cross by Abinash Ruidas had only been partially cleared by the rival backline. It became 2-0 10 minutes later when Murmu headed in an assist by Ruidas.
Army XI reduced the arrears 10 minutes from time through Alwyn 10 after the ball fell in his path following a mishit by his teammate and he made no mistake in ruffling the net.
East Bengal's Mehtab Hossain was substituted towards the end of the match for what looked like a muscle pull.
Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting Club will look to bounce back from their 1-2 loss to Tollygunge Agragami in the last match when they take on Bhawanipore Club on Saturday.