East Bengal trounce hapless Air India

Mercurial striker Tolgay Ozbay struck twice (42nd, 50th), while Saumik Dey (11th), Robin Singh (33rd), Mehtab Hussain (50th) and substitute Ravinder Singh (91st) scored a goal each to complete the rout.

However, the match also saw the red-and-gold brigade concede its first goal of the league, when Air India scored through Eric Boiwe in the 55th minute. In other matches JCT beat Viva Kerala by a solitary goal with Maninder Singh coming up with the all important goal in the 49th minute. Selwyn Fernandes gave Pune FC maximum points over Salgaocar with the winner in the 34th minute.

East Bengal, who have already won two titles after clinching Federation Cup and the Calcutta Football League this season, have 18 points from six matches, while Air India remained on three points from six matches.

The title favourites, who led 3-0 at halftime, began in a typical attacking fashion that completely unsettled the Air India defence.