East Bengal FC ended their winless run in the Indian Super League with a 3-1 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. A first-half goal from Cleiton Silva (11th minute) and second-half strikes from Charis Kyriakou (53rd) and Jordan O’Doherty (84th) ensured the three points for Red and Gold.
East Bengal Defeat NorthEast United 3-1 in ISL
EBFC put three goals past NorthEast United FC to secure its first win of the season. This is also its first win over the Highlanders. A first-half goal from Cleiton Silva (11’), and second-half strikes from Charis Kyriakou (53’) and Jordan O’Doherty (84’) ensured the three points for East Bengal FC, before Matt Derbyshire’s goal (90+2’) scored NorthEast United’s first goal account for the season.
EBFC were on the offensive right from kick-off. This early pressure was then converted into a goal in the 11th minute with a cool finish by Cleiton Silva. NEUFC showed glimpses of attacking intent in the first 45 minutes and could have even equalized just before the whistle as Matt Derbyshire hit the crossbar.
EBFC started the second half just as they had started the first half and within 7 minutes of the resumption, Charis Kyriakou thumped home from outside the box to double the advantage. NEUFC were always chasing the game and with more and more players pushed forward, they left themselves open to a counter. It did happen in the 84th minute, Jordan O’Doherty sealed the game with an easy finish.
The attacking play was potent from EBFC but their defense was equally good although they had a slight lapse in added time as Matt Derbyshire scored NEUFC’s first goal of the campaign. Matt Derbyshire darts in at the front post and rises well over the defenders to head the ball into the net to get the consolation goal for his team.
The Red and Gold brigade face fierce rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby on 29th October at the Salt Lake Stadium, whereas NorthEast United will travel to the JRD Tata Sports Complex, to play Jamshedpur FC on 30th October.
