East Bengal edge out George Telegraph to continue winning streak

The Red and Gold have now won seven straight games in the CFL…

East Bengal beat George Telegraph 1-0 to continue their winning streak in the Calcutta Football League. The Red and Gold brigade began poorly as they failed to get into the groove but George Telegraph looked a different side in the first half as they pushed for the opener. This was more desire from the George side as they are on the verge of getting relegated. The first half was extremely poor in terms of quality as East Bengal hardly troubled the George Telegraph custodian Sk.Moidul Islam. The only notable effort came from Jiten Murmu in the 39th minute as his effort needed an acrobatic save from the keeper. As the game progressed, EB gradually gained control and dominated possession. George Telegraph on the other hand, defended deep and had their keeper to thank after he denied Murmu, Ruidas and Dong on several occasions as both sides went into the breather scoreless. In the second half, the Red and Gold were desperately looking for that all-important lead and they struggled for a while in their quest until something unexpected happened. Referee Animesh Biswas developed a muscle cramp and could not continue officiating the game. Fourth referee Amal Kar had to come on and replace him. The match was held up for a while because of this. East Bengal, thereafter, pressed hard looking for the opener. Their efforts finally paid off when Dong broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. Robert Lalthlamuana sent a ball to Lalrindika Ralte who headed it towards Do Dong-Hyun and his finish was perfect. In the 81st minute Dika’s drilled left footer got a deflection and went narrowly over the crossbar. The tide of EB attacks forced George Telegraph to play with 10 men inside the penalty area for a long spell. In the 83rd minute, Calum’s header from a Mehtab Hossain corner almost gave the Kolkata club their second goal as it was inches wide of the far post. The British coach of East Bengal Trevor Morgan will be heading back to Australia for a medical check-up and will return just ahead of the I-league as the first part of his contract comes to an end. This win was a kind of 'farewell’ gift to Morgan from his boys as he leaves behind a team sill unbeaten in the CFL this season.. With the win East Bengal are way ahead in the points table from other teams with 21 points from seven games and one more win will ensure their record 7th CFL title.