Kolkata, Oct 26 (IANS) An own goal by Robin Singh and a stoppage time strike from James Moga saw East Bengal beat I-League leaders Bengaluru FC 2-0 in the round seven match at the Kalyani Stadium Saturday.
The result ended Bengaluru FC’s unbeaten start to their first ever I-League campaign but they remain top of the table with 13 points from six matches. Meanwhile, East Bengal have successfully bounced back from successive defeats and now have six points from three games.
The heavy ground conditions due to the incessant rain made it difficult for both sides but East Bengal adapted quicker and could have taken the lead early on when Cavin Lobo’s cross found an unmarked Edeh Chidi inside the box. However the Nigerian’s effort was blocked by former Middlesbrough defender John Johnson.
East Bengal looked very dangerous in the final third with strikers Chidi and Moga holding up the ball well and setting up the runners from midfield.
Used to playing on the artificial turf of the Bangalore Football Stadium, the visitors struggled to retain possession in the first half but had a couple of good goal scoring opportunities.
The second half had an explosive start as Lobo rattled the Bengaluru crossbar with a thunderous effort from 30 yards.
Minutes later, the deadlock was broken as Bengaluru’s second half substitute Robin unfortunately headed home Lalrindika Ralte’s corner to give his former club the lead.
The India striker suffered more misfortune as he hit the woodwork after Abhijit failed to clear the danger following a Keegan Pereira cross from the left flank.
East Bengal had chances to double their advantage but both Chidi and Moga failed to convert.
East Bengal finally sealed the points in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Moga finished off a counter attack with a powerful strike past Kumar to end the Kolkata club’s four-match winless streak in Kalyani.