KOLKATA, DEC 29
Unstoppable East Bengal continued their dream run as they thrashed Air India 6-1 at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here, to register their sixth win on the trot and consolidate their position at the top of the I-League standings.
Mercurial striker Tolgay Ozbay struck twice (42nd, 50th), while Saumik Dey (11th), Robin Singh (33rd), Mehtab Hussain (50th) and substitute Ravinder Singh (90+1st) scored a goal each to complete the rout.
However, the match also saw the red-and-gold brigade concede their first goal of the league, when Air India scored through Eric Boiwe in the 55th minute.
East Bengal, who have already won two titles in the Federation Cup and the Calcutta Football League this season, have 18 points from six matches, while the Mumbai outfitremained on three points after as many matches.
The title favourites, who led 3-0 at half time, began in a typical attacking fashion and that unsettled the Air India defence.
With the in-form striking duo of Ozbay and Robin looking to cash in on every opportunity, Air India’s defence found the going tough and never really looked in control of the proceedings.
East Bengal received a flurry of yellow cards including two double bookings to Robin in the 82nd minute as the Delhi lad was sent off.
