East Bengal scrape past Pune FC

Kolkata, Sept 19 (IBNS) Defending Champions Kingfisher East Bengal showed their class as they came back strongly to beat Pune FC 2-1 in the Federation Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

With this victory, East Bengal moved to 4 points from two matches while Pune FC stay on three points from as many matches.

East Bengal's Scottish recruit Alan Gow put the Red-and-Gold in the lead in the 42nd minute only for National Team striker Jeje Lalpeklua in the 57th minute. But Robin Singh pierced the final nail in the Pune coffin when he made all the difference in the 82nd minute.

Trevor Morgan, East Bengal's coach brought in six changes in his Playing XI. Even skipper Sanju Pradhan was put on the bench while Robin Singh stayed a surprise inclusion. And the move worked wonders.

East Bengal players attacked relentlessly but Pune FC goalkeeper Subrata Paul was equal to the task. But Pune were dealt with a major blow when Subrata had to replaced by Amrinder Singh after picking up an injury.

The attacking tactics adopted by Morgan, eventually paid off when Gow, in a defining move from the right flank beat Amrinder to put his side one-up in the 42nd minute.

The second half was marred by flurry of yellow cards -- two for Pune and one for East Bengal. In midst of all, Jeje struck the equaliser for Pune.

Stung by the reverse, East Bengal went all out in the attack. Ultimately in the 82nd minute, an unmarked Robin unleashed a left-footer to bulge the net.

WAHINGDOH BEAT CHURCHILL 2-1: Wahingdoh are a Royal Team indeed. Two days after upsetting McDowell Mohun Bagan's applecart, Wahingdoh defeated Churchill Brothers 2-1 to brighten their chances of a semifinal berth in the Federation Cup. Courtsey the victory, Wahingdoh move to six points from two matches while Churchill stay on three.

After Captain Seityasen Singh had put Wahingdoh in the lead in the 29th minute, Jackichand Singh doubled the lead in the 53rd minute. Seityasen wrong-footed Denzil Franco inside the box and beat Arindam Bhattacharya with a left-footed grounder for his team's first goal.

The second goal will be remembered for long. Jackichand received a pass from Chenco in his own half and ran past the entire Churchill midfield, entered the box and slotted it home.

Henry Arnaud converted one from the spot for Churchill in the 72nd minute.
Wahingdoh outplayed Churchill tactically. They preferred to play the waiting game and depended on counter-attacks. And when they countered, their pace kept Churchill guessing.

Churchill nevertheless stayed guilty of muffing a number of opportunities in the first half - Henry and Opra Ndubuisi failing to tap in from close on three occasions. Henry did pull one back but it was a bit too late.

A minute's silence was observed prior to the match in honour of the earthquake victims.