ISL 2020-21: East Bengal finally manages to collect their maiden point

SC East Bengal finally manages to collect 1 point in their debut ISL campaign against Jamshedpur FC as the match ends with a 0-0 draw on Thursday at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa.

SC East Bengal’s Eugenson Lyngdoh was sent off at 24th minute of the game, which forced the Red and Golds to turn their focus on defense more. Jamshedpur FC put up a lot of pressure throughout the game but never managed to break the resolute East Bengal defense.

Later on, Jamshedpur FC too had to play with 10 men when Laldinliana Renthlei was sent off following a second yellow after tackling Jacques Maghoma from behind.

“I told the guys just to regroup,” Fowler said at the post-match news conference, when asked what his message was to the players after Eugeneson’s sending off. 

“I don’t think any decision is going our way… Looks like everyone does seem to be against us. I tried speaking to the officials but they simply didn’t listen. It’s ridiculous. The standard of refereeing needs to improve. 

“Having said that, we got to defend like the way we do. It was important to get the point on the back of three losses. It’s an important point indeed,” the Liverpool legend added.

“I must say we defended really, really well.” Fowler also added further.

Jamshedpur FC captain Peter Hartley, dominated the SC East Bengal fronts and never allowed any space for Pilkington and Jeje to come over and exploit. However, he failed to use his physique in helping out his side when going for goals.

Mobashir in the first half played decently but was not adequately involved in the rest of the game and was dominated by the likes of Matti Steinmann in the midfield. Monroy was well with his defensive duties and was resolute and disciplined and maintained the defensive line of his side.

Both the teams with 10 men each managed a goal-less draw and was able to collect 1 point.