JOIN USSyed Rahim Nabi, Penn Orji and Sushil Singh scored a goal each for the winners. The win takes East Bengal to 44 points from 21 matches, just 2 behind league leaders Salgaocar SC, who have played a game less. Viva Kerala on the other hand stayat in the 10th position with 22 points.
The first goal for the Kolkatans came in the 18th minute. Right back Nabi’s down-the-middle run split the rival defence and he finished it with a stunning shot to bulge the far corner of the net. East Bengal made it 2-0 two minutes later. This time, Orji side-stepped two defenders before slamming it into the back of the net with his left-foot.
Sushil drove the final nail in the coffin in the 42nd minute, heading a cross in from close.
An elated East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan said: “We are praying for Dempo’s victory tomorrow. If they beat Salgaocar, it will definitely brighten our chances.”
Viva coach Kunhikrishnan’s tactic of starting with CS Sabeeth instead of the in form striker Anil Kumar did not work as the young striker failed to gel with Nigerian Felix Chimaokwu.