East Bengal scrape past Pune FC; Wahingdoh triumph

Defending Champions Kingfisher East Bengal showed their class as they came back strongly to beat Pune FC 2-1 in the Federation Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. With this victory, East Bengal moved to 4 points from two matches while Pune FC stay on three points from as many matches.

East Bengal’s Scottish recruit Alan Gow put the Red-and-Gold in the lead in the 42nd minute. Robin Singh pierced the final nail in the Pune coffin when he made all the difference in the 82nd minute.

Trevor Morgan, East Bengal’s coach brought in six changes in his Playing XI. Even skipper Sanju Pradhan was put on the bench while Robin Singh stayed a surprise inclusion. And the move worked wonders.

East Bengal players attacked relentlessly but Pune FC goalkeeper Subrata Paul was equal to the task. But Pune were dealt with a major blow when Subrata had to be replaced by Amrinder Singh after giving in to an injury.

The attacking tactics adopted by Morgan eventually paid off when Gow, in a defining move from the right flank beat Amrinder to put his side one-up in the 42nd minute.

The second half was marred by flurry of yellow cards -- two for Pune and one for East Bengal. In midst of all, Jeje struck the equaliser for Pune.

Stung by the reverse, East Bengal went all out in the attack. Ultimately in the 82nd minute, an unmarked Robin unleashed a left-footer to bulge the net.