GANGTOK: East Bengal struggled hard to break down a resilient newcomer United Sikkim FC before scoring a 1-0 victory in an I-league match with a freakish goal seven minutes before the final whistle on Thursday at Paljor Stadium, here.

A fierce free kick from second half substitute Lalrindika Ralte in the 83rd minute ricocheted off a United Sikkim defender and flew past goalkeeper Yoon Tae for the only goal in a game of overwhelming dominance for East Bengal.

Hampered by niggling injuries to their key players, United Sikkim could not repeat their  counter-attacking performance like they did against Salgaocar in the first match and were bogged down in their own half against Trevor Morgan’s boys.

Clearly playing for a draw, the home side was contended in beefing up their defense. The defensive tactics frustrated East Bengal players till the solitary goal, with a huge slice of luck, came along their way.

Today’s victory ensure that the Kolkata club maintains their 23 matches unbeaten run and the first full three points in the League.