Goals from Amir Dervisevic and Sourav Das saw SC East Bengal claim a comfortable 2-0 win over Salgaocar FC. The match was a pre-season friendly, played at the Don Bosco Ground in Panaji, Goa, on Oct 16.
Midfield duo Das and Dervisevic found the net in each half to continue the red and gold brigade‘s winning momentum. Previously, they registered a 3-1 win over Vasco SC on Oct 15, their first pre-season game played by Manolo Diaz’s team.
Just 6 minutes in, East Bengal were given a penalty which Slovenian striker Dervisevic smoothly dispatched. Sourav Das got on the scoresheet after 65 minutes, coming off the bench.
Diaz picked Arindam Bhattacharya in goal. Suvam Sen and Sankar Roy too got minutes under their belts. Hira Mondal put up a stunning display against Vasco SC. Hence, he was given the opportunity to start. From the first game, Joyner Lourenco and Australian Tomislav Mrcela were in the line-up as well.
East Bengal too much for Salgaocar
In a free-flowing 4-2-3-1, Asheer Akhtar was deployed at right-back. Dervisevic and Wahengbam Angousana took up the spots ahead of the defence. At central attacking midfield, Md Rafique filled in. Jackichand and Bikash Jairu took up their spots on the wings. Antonio Perosevic was the lone striker for the red and gold brigade.
Perosevic was in the midst of happenings from the first whistle. 5 minutes into the game and the Croatian striker fouled in the box. Dervisevic stepped up to convert from the spot effortlessly.
SC East Bengal dominated proceedings and disallowed Salgaocar any breathing room.
Mondal, playing at left-back, made an overlapping run after latching onto a ball from Jairu. Marcela, unfortunately, placed the ensuing cross wide. Minutes later, Rafique unleashed Hira. Hira found a pass to Angousana but the midfielder once again shot wide.
Following a Dervisevic corner, Mrcela had another opportunity to score. However, the centre-half nodded off target. The home team were in complete control nonetheless. Winger Jackichand dinked in a cross for Perosevic, who fluffed his lines. Following another beautifully placed corner from Dervisevic, Mrcela came close hitting the crossbar.
Naorem Mahesh came off the bench to replace Jackichand in the second half. The forward made a near-immediate after coming on. The 22-year old set up Dervisevic only for the latter sends the ball gliding inches from goal, just over the bar.
62 minutes into the tie, Amir paved the way for a more than grateful Das. Zipping past defenders with pace, Das displayed great mettle by snatching back possession of the ball. The move ended in Das scoring an exquisite solo goal.
Arindam had an easy time in goal. The defence was water-tight, keeping the opposition out with Mrcela pulling the strings. Manolo Diaz’s side controlled possession in the dying moments and secured the clean sheet to wrap up a fine outing.
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