KOLKATA: Kingfisher East Bengal, who started with the same team from Kolkata Derby, have earned all three points from their first home match in Hero I-League 2015-16 against debutants DSK Shivajians, courtesy the solitary striker from lanky striker Ranti Martins. Derrick Pereira meanwhile started with Aser Dipanda in attack while Douhou Pierre marshalled the midfield for DSK.
The home side had two half chances to open their scoring within the first ten minutes. It was Do Dong Hyun’s free kick from 20 yards which was acrobatically saved by Subrata Paul, the Pune outfit goalie. This was followed by Ranti Martins who shot wide after Jairu had played him on.
A minute before the half-hour mark, Mehtab Hussein’s corner was met by Rafique whose shot rattled the bar, and Ranti Martins stole the goal in the rebound.
After the half-an-hour mark, Rafique volleyed wide off Ranti’s header with Subrata Paul well beaten. On the hour mark, Dong cut in from the left but missed another chance to put his team up as he shot wide.
DSK themselves had a golden opportunity in the 70th minute as Israil Gurung’s shot ricocheted off Bello Rasaq and came off the crossbar with Rehenesh beaten all ends out.
In spite of Dong going close subsequently, the match ended with a Red and Golds win.
The win takes Biswajit Bhattacharya’s men within a point of the leaders Bengaluru FC, whom they are facing next while DSK Shivajians are still continuing their quest for a win.
