Date:04/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/04/stories/2007120470971900.htm

Sport - Football

East Bengal back to winning ways

KOLKATA: Kingfisher East Bengal got back to winning ways, beating Salgaocar SC 3-2 in a third round encounter of the I-League football played at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday evening.

The host shot into the lead in the 19th minute when its Brazilian striker, Edmilsom Marques, found the target. With Salgaocar missing some scoring opportunities, the first session ended with East Bengal enjoying a one-goal lead.

Salgaocar equalised after the break with Biju Kumar, off a provision from Nicholas Rodrigues, nodding home in the 50th minute. East Bengal regained the lead in the 59th minute when forward Ashim Biswas headed in a cross from midfielder Mehtab Hussain.

Salgaocar’s woes continued when it was reduced to 10-men after its defender Remus Gomes was sent out with a red card for kicking Biswas in the 60th minute.

In the 68th minute, East Bengal enhanced its lead 3-1 with Edmilson scoring from a penalty. Salgaocar reduced the margin in the 75th minute through East Bengal recruit S. Malswamtluanga.

The win took East Bengal to six points from three matches while Salgaocar remained on one in as many matches. —Principal Correspondent