Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: Poor run of NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) continued in ISL as they suffered their third straight defeat and this time against East Bengal at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here today. Kolkata outfit won the tie 3-1.
A good number of crowed were travelled from Kolkata to support East Bengal and the team made them happy by register first win of the season.
A first-half goal from Cleiton Silva (11'), and second-half strikes from Charis Kyriakou (53') and Jordan O'Doherty (84') ensured the three points for East Bengal FC, before Matt Doherty's consolation goal (90+2') opened NorthEast United's goal account for the season.
East Bengal coach Stephen Constantine made four changes to the East Bengal FC lineup that lost 2-1 to FC Goa. In the opposite dugout, Marco Balbul, who returned after completing one-match suspension, had made one change to the lineup since the 0-3 loss to Hyderabad FC by bringing Rochharzela into the starting XI.
Game's first real chance came in the 10th minute when Cleiton Silva smashed a volley from range at NorthEast United FC's goal, but Silva didn't have to wait long to get his goal.
Visitor took the lead a minute later after some diligent work from Mahesh Naorem Singh. NorthEast United FC's Mohamed Irshad got caught on the ball during the team's build-up, which gave Mahesh Noarem Singh an opportunity to pinch it from the full-back before laying it to the open Silva, who made no mistake with his finish.
Highlanders had most of the possession in the first-half but were struggling to create any real chances as East Bengal FC had a solid block in front of goal. Balbul decided to take some action early by making two changes in the 31st minute, bringing Emil Benny and Aaron Evans on for Romain Philippoteaux and Mohamed Irshad.
East Bengal FC started the second half with real zest. They went up 2-0 eight minutes into the second half thanks to some good work from Suhair Vadakkepeedika on the right wing, who set up an onrushing Charis Kyriakou for a bending strike from the edge of the box.
NorthEast United FC pushed more players forward, but the risk didn't pay off in the end. East Bengal FC killed the game in 84th minute thanks to a quick transition, with Mobashir Rahman setting up Jordan O'Doherty, who finished the chance with aplomb.
NorthEast United FC finally opened their goal account for the season two minutes into second-half stoppage time. It was the combination of Benny and Derbyshire again, with Derbyshire scoring a near-post header from an inch-perfect corner. It was too little, too late for NorthEast United FC.
In their next game NorthEast United FC will face Jamshedpur FC in their second away game on October 30.
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