East Bengal down arch rivals Mohd Sporting 3-1

LUDHIANA, Sept 4 (UNI) East Bengal expectedly defeated their traditional rivals Mohammedan Sporting by 3-1 in a clash of two Kolkata giants in the Hero Cycles 29th edition of the Federation Cup Football Tournament, played at the floodlit Guru Nanak Stadium here tonight.

The teams were tied one-all at half time. It was East Bengal, drew the first blood in the 21st minute when Ashim Biswas converted a Syed Rahim centre with a fine header (1-0). With just few seconds left for half time, Mohammedan Sporting equalised.

Launching a counter-attack, Kalia Kulothangan took full advantage of the rebound after East Bengal goalkeeper Subrata Paul had partially blocked a shot (1-1).

Six minutes after resumption, East Bengal again gained the lead.

Alvito D'Cunha combined with Ashim Biswas, who passed the ball to Edmilson Marques who caught the Mohd Sporting defence napping with a finely executed header. (2-1) East Bengal made a change by with Dipankar Roy substituting Jayanta Sen in the 65th minute. It proved good and lucky for them as in the next minute East Bengal's striker Edmilson Marques scored the third goal. The move was initiated by Alvito D'Cunha who sent a pass to unmarked Edmilson Marques. Finally Edmilson beat Mohd Sporting goalkeeper Nasibul Haque.

Mohd Sporting's Kalia Kulothangan had a good try in the 33rd minute. However, East Bengal goalkeeper Paul cleared the shot at the expense of a corner. The Bengal team had another close shave in the 42nd minute as Rajib Ahmed sent a good centre from right flank but.

Goalkeeper Subrata Paul failed to grab the ball. In another attempt Jyothi Kumar, however, failed to react and Paul cleared the ball.

Kalia Kulothangan had another chance to score. After getting the better of Surkumar on the left flank, Kalia Kulothangan shot straight into the hands of East Bengal's goalkeeper.

Teams: East Bengal: Subrata Paul, Surkumar Singh, Majekodunmi Bolaji (Abdul Samed), M Suresh, Saumik Dey, Syed Rahim Nabi, Maherajuddin Wadoo, Jayanta Sen (Dipankar Roy), Alvito D'Cunha, Edmilson Marques, Ashim Biswas.

Mohd Sporting: SK Nasibul Haque, Rajib Ahmed (V Prem Kumar), Ayeni Bidemi Daniel, SK Azim, Dipak Singh, Shameel C, Adebayo T Adewusi, Basudeb Mondol, A Jothi Kumar, Paul M Nwachukwa (Shyju K), K Kulothangan (Nirapada Mondol).

UNI