KOLKATA, Dec 16 : Prayag United SC continued to be the nemesis for East Bengal who faltered yet again against the lesser-known Kolkata opponent to suffer their first loss of the I-League.
The 11th round match at Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday (December 16) saw a fine reversal of roles as Prayag United regained their winning form ending a run of three successive losses when Nigerian goal-machine Ranty Martins found the winner late in the second half.
East Bengal had lost to the same opponent by the same margin in the last season’s I-League meeting on 30th January this year.
Looking to extend the unbeaten run in the tournament after the violence-marred abandonment of their 10th round match against arch-rival Mohun Bagan just week ago, East Bengal could not put their plan to action as Prayag United put a more determined show. The two teams played more intense football after a barren first half. But
Prayag United seemed to enjoy the edge for having a better control on the midfield – which saw a nice combination between Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos Hernandes and Lalkamal Bhowmick.
Despite employing a lone man attack in Ranty Martins, Prayag United balanced their approach well and effectively locked up the East Bengal offensive for the greater part of the action.
East Bengal, which had conceded just one goal in the previous 10 rounds where they remained unbeaten, gave up their undefeated status failing to utilise a few opportunities coming their way.
East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan introduced Robin Singh in place of Manandeep Singh midway through the second half to induce pace in attack.
The ploy worked well as Robin’s speed put Prayag United defence under pressure. Robin almost found the lead for East Bengal in the 67th minute, when he was set off with a nice through ball from upfront colleague Edeh Chidi.
But the goal failed to happen as Prayag United goalkeeper Subrata Paul rushed out in time to clear the former’s attempt. Nigerian midfielder Orji Penn found the Prayag net in the 71st minute but the goal was disallowed as the ball had crossed the goalline before Robin sent a cross back at Penn.
As East Bengal struggled to find the desired finish, Ranty Martins showed the way producing a sharp header on a Lalkamal corner as the ball sailed through the top angle of the opposition goal to give Prayag United the decisive lead.
The first half did not produce anything extraordinary. East Bengal struggled to gain a hold on the midfield as Prayag United looked more certain in the middle of the park.
With Carlos taking a more expressive role Prayag United attacked with more authority. The best moment for Prayag came in the 24th minute when their Nigerian goal-machine Ranty Martins unleashed a powerful drive from top of the box.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu timed a perfect dive to his left to rescue East Bengal. Bello Rasaq had another opportunity couple of minutes later but his header on a Carlos corner went wayward.
East Bengal did not have a clear look at the goal, save for one in the 41st minute when Penn’s attempt from a couple of yards outside the box went flying over the Prayag United crosspiece.
Apparently frustrated by the defeat East Bengal’s Nigerian defender Uga Okpara got involved in a fracas with his opposition counterpart and compatriot Bello Rasaq after the final whistle.
The East Bengal player took off his jersey jersey and tried to attack Rasaq as the players and officials from both the sides struggled to hold off the two from trading blows.
The 11th round match at Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday (December 16) saw a fine reversal of roles as Prayag United regained their winning form ending a run of three successive losses when Nigerian goal-machine Ranty Martins found the winner late in the second half.
East Bengal had lost to the same opponent by the same margin in the last season’s I-League meeting on 30th January this year.
Looking to extend the unbeaten run in the tournament after the violence-marred abandonment of their 10th round match against arch-rival Mohun Bagan just week ago, East Bengal could not put their plan to action as Prayag United put a more determined show. The two teams played more intense football after a barren first half. But
Prayag United seemed to enjoy the edge for having a better control on the midfield – which saw a nice combination between Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos Hernandes and Lalkamal Bhowmick.
Despite employing a lone man attack in Ranty Martins, Prayag United balanced their approach well and effectively locked up the East Bengal offensive for the greater part of the action.
East Bengal, which had conceded just one goal in the previous 10 rounds where they remained unbeaten, gave up their undefeated status failing to utilise a few opportunities coming their way.
East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan introduced Robin Singh in place of Manandeep Singh midway through the second half to induce pace in attack.
The ploy worked well as Robin’s speed put Prayag United defence under pressure. Robin almost found the lead for East Bengal in the 67th minute, when he was set off with a nice through ball from upfront colleague Edeh Chidi.
But the goal failed to happen as Prayag United goalkeeper Subrata Paul rushed out in time to clear the former’s attempt. Nigerian midfielder Orji Penn found the Prayag net in the 71st minute but the goal was disallowed as the ball had crossed the goalline before Robin sent a cross back at Penn.
As East Bengal struggled to find the desired finish, Ranty Martins showed the way producing a sharp header on a Lalkamal corner as the ball sailed through the top angle of the opposition goal to give Prayag United the decisive lead.
The first half did not produce anything extraordinary. East Bengal struggled to gain a hold on the midfield as Prayag United looked more certain in the middle of the park.
With Carlos taking a more expressive role Prayag United attacked with more authority. The best moment for Prayag came in the 24th minute when their Nigerian goal-machine Ranty Martins unleashed a powerful drive from top of the box.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu timed a perfect dive to his left to rescue East Bengal. Bello Rasaq had another opportunity couple of minutes later but his header on a Carlos corner went wayward.
East Bengal did not have a clear look at the goal, save for one in the 41st minute when Penn’s attempt from a couple of yards outside the box went flying over the Prayag United crosspiece.
Apparently frustrated by the defeat East Bengal’s Nigerian defender Uga Okpara got involved in a fracas with his opposition counterpart and compatriot Bello Rasaq after the final whistle.
The East Bengal player took off his jersey jersey and tried to attack Rasaq as the players and officials from both the sides struggled to hold off the two from trading blows.
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