PANJIM: FC Goa gifted not one but two goals to SC East Bengal on Wednesday to help the Kolkata side register their first victory in the Indian Super League this season with a 2-1 win, at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim.
The defeat dealt a heavy blow to the Gaurs’ pursuit to finish in top four. However for the Kolkata team, they ended their longest winless streak in the competition (15 games without a win) coming after 346 days. Thanks to the double from Naorem Mahesh Singh. They also managed to register their first win at the Bambolim Stadium.
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Despite having eight shots throughout, Goa managed to have just four on target.
For SC East Bengal, a side which had been struggling throughout, it was no surprise to see them play deep and defend resolutely. But both their goals came from FC Goa defensive lapses. Two unforced errors saw Naorem Singh get two opportunities and the lad converted both. Those were the only shots on target East Bengal could register in the entire game.
A slightest eye off the ball can cost you a lot and that’s exactly what happened when skipper Edu Bedia was played a back pass from the midfield. The Spaniard missed the ball where East Bengal’s Naorem Singh snatched and coolly scored past Dheeraj Singh to give a bright start to coach Mario Rivera era.
FC Goa stepped up and created numerous chances. Alexander Jesuraj had a shot going wide. Jorge Ortiz did exceptionally well on the flank before playing a low cross in the area, which was missed by FC Goa players. Jesuraj had the best view of the ball and the goal but he failed as his slightest touch would send the ball at the back of the net.
SC East Bengal who had pinned extra men in their defensive frustrated Goa with Adil Khan and Sourav dealing with every danger. When they missed, it was their keeper Arindham Bhattacharya coming to the side’s rescue with brilliant saves. He made a fine save to deny Edu Bedia from a set piece in the game.
Finally in the 37th minute, FC Goa got their equaliser and it was no surprise it was Jorge Ortiz with an assist. The Spaniard sent in a through pass to Alberto Noguera and the last named whipped in a perfect first time shot in the top corner to get the Gaurs back in the game.
Anwar Ali on receiving a throw-in from Leander on the left chose to play a pass to the right flank at the face of the goal. Naorem snatched the ball and fired a shot past the keeper. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into the play after landing inside the goal. Much to their luck, the fourth official spotted the ball crossing the line.
FC Goa continued with their dominant display but it didn’t bother East Bengal much as they hardly tested the keeper. The Gaurs were denied yet another penalty when Sourav Das brought down Jorge Ortiz in the area. The referee, instead, gave a foul in favour of the opponents.
