——
EAST BENGAL
v
AIR INDIA
Kolkata, 29/12/2010 – 1:45 PM IST
*****
–
EAST BENGAL 6-1 AIR INDIA [Full Time]
Team Line-up:
East Bengal: Sandip, Naoba, Okpara, Gurwinder, Soumik, Sanju, Mehtab, Sushanth, Penn, Tolgay, Robin
Air India: Arup, Collin, Uttam, Vijith, Dharamjit, Dhanachandra, Amritpal, Samson, Eric, Yusuf, Manjit
1′: Here we go. The match kicks-off at YBK.
2′: East Bengal on the attack straight away. Morgan’s men is looking for an early lead.
6′: No goals yet. East Bengal came close with Tolga from a Mehtab cross. But the Australian’s effort went wide of the far post.
9′: Air India makes their first attack. But Okpara clears the ball easily.
12′: GOOOAAAALLLLL !!! East Bengal scores !!! It’s East Bengal captain Soumik Dey on the score sheet. Early lead for Morgan brigade.
18′: East Bengal is leading by one goal scored by Soumik Dey from a Tolgay cross. Penn Orji provided the early pass to Tolgay who inturn sent a wonderful cross for Soumik and the East Bengal skipper made no mistakes.
20′: East Bengal looking dangerous upfront and they could have doubled their lead. But Penn Orji’s final delivery towards Robin was intercepted by Air India defense and the danger cleared for the moment.
23′: The ball is refusing to go away from the Air India half. East Bengal maintaining their tempo. Mehtab and Penn both are playing brilliantly for the Red & Gold brigade. Air India goalkeeper makes a good save to deny Robin. Scoreline remains – East Bengal 1-0 Air India.
26′: Tolgay !!! That bullet missed the target by a whisker. Fortunate for Airmen that they are still trailing by only one goal. Air India tries to break free on the counter and gets a free-kick. Sandip easily gathers the ball fired by Ibrahim.
30′: We are into the half-an-hour mark. It’s surprising how the scoreline can still remain 1-0. East Bengal should have been up by 3-0 by this time. The lack of finishing by the strikers could cost them dearly against top opponents.
32′: GOOOAAALLLLL !!! East Bengal scores their second!!! Robin Singh makes amends and scores a brilliant goal. The Red & Gold brigade is leading by 2-0.
38′: The way East Bengal is dominationg the ball possession, which could well be around 80-20 so far, it will be interesting to see whether Air India can keep the defeat to a respectable margin. The Morgan brigade is way superior compared the Mumbai players in terms of quality and skills. Air India makes a decent run down the right wing. But Gurwinder was alert to block Samsong Singh.
40′: Five minutes remaining for the half time whistle. East Bengal up by 2-0.
43′: GOOOAAALLLLLL !!! Tolgay scores the third one for East Bengal. The Red and Gold brigade is on fire here. Naoba Singh provided an inch perfect ball to Tolgay at a comfortable height. The Australian makes no mistake to put the ball over the goalline with a simple header.
45′: Three minutes of added time here in the first half. East Bengal leading by 3-0.
45+1′: Sandip Nandy makes a good effort to save a goal-bound shot for a corner.
HT: It’s half time here at YBK. East Bengal dominated the proceedings and leading by 3-0 at the lemon break. Soumik, Robin and Tolgay scored for the Red and Golds. Air India made a couple of counter attacks through Samson Singh, who looked brightly, but once Okpara and on the second occasion Sandip came to his team’s rescue. Join us back for the 2nd half updates.
46′: GOOOAAALLLLL !!! East Bengal scores their fourth. Tolgay Ozbey is the scorer. Mehtab provided a beautiful pass to Tolgay inside Air India box and the impressive striker makes it 4-0 in East Bengal’s favor. What a start to the second half !
50′: Robin Singh !!! The striker misses another golden opportunity. Morgan’s men are toying with the Air India players at this moment.
54′: GOOOAAALLLL !!! Would you belive it? Air India scores!!! East Bengal is leading by 4-1. Eric is the scorer for Airmen from a corner. Sandip got deceived by the flight and mistimed his jump and Eric completed the formalities with an easy tap-in. First goal conceded by East Bengal in this I-League.
57′: Tolgay !!! That was sheer selfishness by the Australian. Sushanth Mathew provided Tolgay with a good pass, but two Air India defenders were present to mark him, while he could have passed the ball to an unmarked Robin Singh, Tolgay decided to go for the glory and wasted the chance.
61′: The score-line remains 4-1 in favor of East Bengal by the hour mark. 30 mins still remaining. Can Airmen stage a comeback here? Well it looks really unlikely by the way East Bengal is dominating the possession.
63′: Air India makes another rare venture in the East Bengal half. But Okpara easily dealt with it and East Bengal on the attack again.
67′: Tolgayyyyy !!! This time Tolgay misses an open net. Frustrating day for Morgan with so many wasted opportunities.
70′: East Bengal continues to attack Air India defense with venom in search of their 5th goal. Mehtab and Penn both are having a brilliant match and deserves to be on the score-sheet.
72′: Robin Singh gets the first booking of the match for alleged simulation. That was a harsh decision by the referee. He was going for a ball outside the Air India box when an AI defender clipped his right leg and he lost his balance.
74′: Now it’s the turn of Okpara and Soumik to get booked for arguing with referee. East Bengal should avoid such unnecessary things.
78′: East Bengal still leading by 4-1. 12 minutes remaining in the match.
80′: Robin Singh gets his second booking and off the field. East Bengal have to play with 10 men for the remaining duration.
82′: First change of the match. Samson Singh out, Dada Nabeel comes IN.
85′: Five minutes of regulation time remains. Air India has upped their attacking tempo against the 10 men East Bengal. Can they get another one here? Change for East Bengal as weel – Tolgay OUT; Budhiram IN.
86′: Another change by Morgan. Ravinder IN, Penn OUT.
89′: GOOOAAALLLL !!!! East Bengal scores their 5th. Mehtab scores from a 35 yards screamer. What a strike, what a player !!! Take a bow !!!
90′: GOOOAAALLLL !!! East Bengal makes it half-a-dozen. Ravinder Singh scores with his very first touch of the match.
92′: Last change for East Bengal. Saikat IN, Naoba OUT! We are into the last minute of injury time here.
FT: Final Score : East Bengal 6-1 Air India :: East Bengal thrashes the Airmen by 6-1 to register their 6th consecutive win from 6 matches to strengthen their position at the summit of I-League table. Mehtab Hussain is once again TheHardTackle’s Man of the Match for an outstanding display at the heart of East Bengal midfield with 2 assists and 1 goal.
—————
JCT FC
v
VIVA KERALA
Ludhiana, 29/12/2010 – 2:00 PM IST
*****
–
JCT FC 1-0 Viva Kerala [Full Time]
5′: The match is ON. Sukhwinder Singh’s JCT is still looking for their first elusive win in this campaign.
15′: It’s still goal-less at JCT’s home soil. Kerala team is dominating the ball possession at this moment.
25′: JCT FC 0-0 Viva Kerala – the score-board remains same after the first 25 minutes of play.
35′: No team so far could break the deadlock. The game is mainly restricted to the midfield with occasional attacks from both the teams. Viva is having slightly better ball possession till now.
HT: It’s goal-less at the half time mark. JCT FC 0-0 Viva Kerala.
50′: GOOOAAALLL !!! The deadlock is broken at last. JCT FC takes the lead. Maninder Singh is the scorer.
60′: JCT FC is leading by one goal by the hour mark. Can Sukhi’s boys hold it for another half an hour to register their first win?
70′: 20 minutes to go for the long whistle. JCT is content with the lead and playing a lot of square and back passes among themselves in a bid to waste time.
80′: JCT is somehow managing to preserve their one goal lead against an intensified Viva attack. Score-line remains 1-0 in fovour of the home team.
FT: JCT FC 1-0 Viva Kerala :: JCT registers their first win of the campaign to move up from the rock bottom position in the league standing to 11th spot with 4 points from 6 matches, Viva Kerala joins them with same points from equal number of matches.
SALGAOCAR
v
PUNE FC
Margaon, 29/12/2010 – 3:45 PM IST
*****
–
Salgaocar 0-1 Pune FC [Full Time]
5′: The match is underway at the Fatorda Stadium, Margaon. Salgaocar is sitting pretty at second position in the league table, while Pune FC is yet to register their first win of the campaign.
15′: First 15 minutes could not produce any goals. Salgaocar are taking the attack to the opposition with Yakubu aned Sueoka gelling well with one another.
20′: No goals yet. Sueoka got a decent opportunity, but blasted his shot over the cross-bar.
30′: Salgaocar failed to convert their early dominance into a goal. Now Pune FC is looking much more assured with the ball possession and venturing out in Salgaocar fort as well. The game remains goal-less after first 30 minutes’ play.
HT: Salgaocar 0-1 Pune FC :: Pune FC leading by a goal at the half time break. They scored the only goal of the match at the 35th minute through Selwyn Fernandes. Can Salgaocar equalize in the second half? Keep yourself updated with TheHardTackle’s live score updates.
55′: Salgaocar is making every attempt to find the equalizer. Sueoka and Yakubu both are creating a few chances, but the PFC defense is defending with purpose. Pune FC is still leading by a goal.
65′: Pune FC still maintaining their one goal advantage. Karim introduces Ekene into the fray to get his side the equalizer.
75′: It has been a frustrating afternoon for Karim Bencharifa’s boys as they are not being able to break the stubborn Pune FC defense. Time is running out and only 15 minutes remain for Salgaocar to get the equalizer.
90′: We are into the last minute of regulation time and Pune FC is only a few minutes away from their first I-League win of the new season. 2 mins of injury time remains to be played here.
FT: Salgaocar 0-1 Pune FC :: Salgaocar’s slump continues as they lost their second consecutive match after winning the first four. Pune FC registers their first win of the campaign and moves up to 7th position with 7 points from 6 matches.
—————
MOHUN BAGAN
vs
MUMBAI FC
Kolkata, 30/12/2010 – 1:45 PM IST
*****
–
MOHUN BAGAN 2-0 MUMBAI FC [Full Time]
Team Line-up:
Mohun Bagan: Shilton, Rahul, Azim, Dhanarajan, Isfaq, Manish, Gouranga, Snehasish, Jayanta, Muritala, Barreto
Mumbai FC: Ishan, Keegan, Anas, Quao, Nicholas, Nishant, Noel, Bungo, Kuttimani, Sukore, Henry
1′ : Last season Mumbai FC shocked Mohun Bagan in this fixture, winning 2-1. Will they be able to repeat that performance ? Or will Bagan continue their recovery under Bhowmik. Match kicks off.
5′ : Mumbai FC made a few inroads into Bagan defence but to no avail.
10′: Muritala !! That was a close shave for Mumbai FC, the Nigerian’s well taken shot was saved by Ishan.
18′ : Shilton Pal makes a brilliant save. Bagan defence is being clumsy at times. They are allowing Mumbai strikers too much time on the ball.
20′ : Both teams had equal ball possession so far. The home team looks slightly more dangerous going up.
25′ : Ishfaq Ahmed has been playing pretty well as full-back. Subhash Bhowmik seems to have killed two birds with one stone here. He has somewhat fixed Bagan’s weakness on flanks and also given the club captain match-time.
25′: Barreto !!The Brazilian should have done well from Muritala’s beautifully weighted pass.
30′ : The Green and Maroon brigade are enforcing themselves more and more as the match progresses. Both teams still searching for the elusive goal.
32′ : Shilton !!! The young ‘keeper is staying true to his name. That was a save out of the top drawer !
35′ : Nicholas Rodriguez has been the best player on the pitch so far. He has been troubling the Bagan defence with his incisive runs. He alsmost broke the dead-lock with a spectacular free-kick.
36′ : Sukore !!! The man who scored Mumbai FC’s winner against Pune FC missed an open net ! Nicholas delivered a dangerous free-kick.
40′ : The three-time champions need to tighten their defence. Chances are coming thick and fast for MFC.
43′ : Two back to back chances for Bagan. Both Barreto and Ishfaq missed out on decent half-chances.
44′ : Shilton !!! He again comes to the rescue of Bagan. Makes two sharp saves in the space of a minute. The game is end to end now. Both teams are having plenty of chances.
45+’: GOOOAAALLL!!! Mohun Bagan take the lead ! It is Muritala again, Barreto with the assist. The Nigerian is finding the type of form which made him a priced catch for Bagan in transfer window.
HT’: MOHUN BAGAN 1-0 MUMBAI FC :: Bagan got a goal just when it was needed. MFC was attacking more and more in last 15 minutes and Muritala’s goal will peg them back a bit. The home team needs to be stronger in defence. Everything points towards an exciting 2nd half.
46′ : Second Half kicks off.
47′ : Despite being newcomers, MFC’s away record against Bagan is incredible. They have never lost to Bagan in an I-League away game, winning 2-1 on both occasions. Coach Subrata Bhattacharya (Potla) was snubbed by Bagan a few days ago as the club chose Sujit Chakravarty. Will Subrata be able to prove a point to Mohun Bagan ? We will find out in 2nd half.
52′ : The teams have started 2nd half in a slow pace.
53′ : Barreto !!! The ever-green Brazilian almost made it 2-0. Ishan made the save of the match so far…
55′ : Ishfaq’s marauding overlaps are causing a lot of head-aches to MFC’s full-backs.
61′ : Both goal-keepers have performed exceptionally well till now. Only because of them is the match still showing a narrow score-line
65′ : It’s getting tense in the Salt Lake stadium. MFC is pushing hard for the equaliser while Bagan is looking to extend the lead.
70′ : A hint of desperation in MFC’s play. Two yellow cards for their players in a space of 5 minutes.
75′ : Former Bagan striker Lalampuia comes on for MFC. Bagan has completely dominated the match in 2nd half. Can he make a difference ?
77′ : Bagan on the attack again. MFC defence is hanging for its life now.
80′: GOOOAAALLL!!! Mohun Bagan go two up. Ashim Biswas, his substitution was a master stroke from Bhowmik !
84′ : Mohun Bagan 2-0 Mumbai FC. Surely its game, set, match for Bagan…
88′ : Under Stanley Rosario, Bagan dropped points in the Pune FC match because of not using their subs. Bhowmik’s experience in top level was evident today when he brought on Ashim Biswas.
89′ : Muritala might have scored the goal today but Jose Ramorez Barreto has been the most impressive player for Mohun Bagan in final third. Sadly, he didnt take his chances to score a goal he deserved today.
FT : MOHUN BAGAN 2-0 MUMBAI FC :: And thats it ! Bagan win the first home match in I-League 2010/11. It was clinical performance from Asia’s oldest club. Things are slowly starting to look up for the team. TheHardTackle’s Man of the Match is Shilton Pal for his excellent saves in first half.
—————
AIFF XI
v
HAL SC
Gurgaon, 30/12/2010 – 2:00 PM IST
*****
–
AIFF XI 2-1 HAL SC [Full Time]
10′ : Two teams which are in dire need of three points are squaring off in Gurgaon. It’s still goal-less.
15′ : AIFF boys are causing problems with their fast paced running. HAL defenders are struggling to cope with their wingers.
22′ : It’s still goal-less.
30′ : AIFF XI has enjoyed majority of ball possession but have been unable to find a goal. It’s till 0-0.
35′ : GOOOAAALLL!!! AIFF XI take the lead !
HT : AIFF XI 1- 0 HAL :: AIFF lead through a Malsawmfela goal. Jeje missed a penalty in the 28th minute.
52′ : GOOOAAALLL !!! AIFF XI go 2-0 up ! Bikramjit Singh doubles the lead for the AIFF boys.
60′: We are in to the hour mark and still AIFF XI is leading by 2-0. It has been a dominating performance so far by the future India stars.
75: AIFF IX is maintaining their two goal cushion. 15 minutes to go.
85′: GOOOAAALLL. HAL SC reduced the margin. R.C. Prakash scored for the Bangalore team. Can the get another one here. 5 minutes remaining for AIFF to taste their second consecutive win. The home team is 2-1 up, 85th min in progress.
FT: AIFF XI 2-1 HAL SC :: AIFF XI registers their second consecutive win to move up to the 9th spot in the league table with 7 points. HAL SC also have same number of points in their kitty.
—————
ONGC SC
v
CHURCHILL BROTHERS
Kohlapur, 30/12/2010 – 3:30 PM IST
*****
–
ONGC SC 1-1 Churchill Brothers [Full Time]
10′: First 10 minutes remain goalless at Kohlapur, Churchill Brothers are making some attacking moves in this away match. Churchill is in 3rd place in the league table scoring 9 points, while ONGC finds themselves in the relegation fray haing only 3 points from 5 outings so far.
20′: GOOOAAALLLL !!! Against the run of play, it’s the home team that takes the lead. N.D. Opara finds himself on the scoring chart yet again for ONGC. The Mumbai side leading 1-0.
30′: ONGC FC is still leading by the goal scored by their inspirational striker N.D. Opara. Churchill, lead by Odafa, trying hard for the equalizer.
40′: Only five minutes remain for the lemon break. Can Churchill get the equalizer before half time whistle. Churchill have always been one of the most inconsistent teams in I-League set-up.
45′: GOOOAAALLLL !!! Churchill Brothers score in injury time. No surprises here, it’s Odafa again, Churchill’s savior.
HT: It’s even stevens at the half time. ONGC took the lead and Churchill responded back with a goal by their star man. 1-1 is the half time score.
50′: Second half gets underway at Kohlapur. Can ONGC contain Odafa in the second period?
60′: No goals yet in the second half. The scoreline remains 1-1. Churchill trying hard to get the lead, but ONGC defense is equally up to the task to restrict Odafa.
75′: 15 minutes remaining in the match. The scoreline remains 1-1.
85′: Only five minutes of regulation time remaining. ONGC is holding on Chirag at this moment. Can they get one point from this tie? It will be a huge bonus for them in the battle for survival.
FT: ONGC FC 1-1 CHURCHILL BROTHERS :: ONGC snatches a point off from Churchill in this home game. The I-League new comers will be ecstatic to get one point from the match against former champions. Churchill’s inconsistent showing continues. They remain at 3rd position in the league standing with 10 points for the time being.
—————
DEMPO SC
v
CHIRAG UNITED
Margaon, 30/12/2010 – 3:45 PM IST
*****
–
Dempo SC 1-1 Chirag United [Full Time]
Team News:
Dempo: Kattimani, Debabrata, John, Marcus, Peter, Nicolau, Dominic, Beto, Kalu, Cliffton, Ranty
Chirag United : Abhijit, Chika, Arnab, Subhasish, Lalkamal, Denson, Gouranga, Jerry, Elija, Joshimar
1′: Both Dempo and Chirag have scored 8 points from 5 matches and all three points here means a return to the top-3 in the league standings. The match kicks off at Fatorda, Margaon.
5′: No goals so far. Both the teams are trying to keep the possession of the ball and taking a calculated approach here.
10′: IT’s a penalty for Dempo. Cliffton was fouled inside the box and the referee awarded a penalty in favor of the home team.
10′: Would you belive that !!! Ranty hits the post. The goalkeeper was completely beaten as Ranty sent him the other way. But the woodwork came up to Chirag’s rescue this time.
13′: What a save !!! Abhijit Mondal, the ex-Dempo custodian, returns at Goa to haunt his former club. He makes a stunning save to deny Ranty Martins from a one on one situation.
17′: Dempo gets a corner and Nicolus squares it to Beto, who takes a rasping shot. But the ball goes wide. It’s the home team which is making all the attacking moves at the moment.
23′: From a Beto free kick, an unmarked Peter sends his header wide of the post. He should have done better with this chance.
25′: Poor finishing is letting Dempo down here. Another good opportunity went begging as Nicolau floated a ball which was headed by Beto towards the goal, but Abhijit makes an easy save.
26′: Freekick for Dempo in the same position from which Beto scored the other day. But this time the Brazilian magician disappoints. Hits it straight at the wall.
29′: Another good save by Abhijit Mondal as he punches out a Nicolau shot from a flag kick. Dempo is completely dominating the match here, not even a single attack by Chirag in first half-an-hour.
31′: First attack by Chirag. Arnab to Joshimar, who hits the ball too high in air.
35′: Great buildup by Dempo again. Nice sequence of passes among Kalu, Beto and Ranty. Chirag clears for a corner.
40′: First substitution by Chirag. Junior replaced by Md Rafique. He sustained an injury in a collision with Dominic.
45′: The scoreline remains goal-less. 3 minutes of added time. Corner for Chirag.
HT: GOOOAAALLLL !!! Dempo takes the lead. Clifton Gonsalves is the scorer. From a quick counter attack, Beto square passes a ball for Ranty. But the Nigerian striker misses his attempt. However Clifton was there to slot home. It’s Dempo 1-0 Chirag at the half time.
46′: Chirag attacking straight away in the second half. Great run by Rafique. But he shoots wide.
48′: Misses by a whisker !!! This time it’s Lalkamal. His shot went just over the far corner.
50′: What a save !!! Abhijit Mondal is having a brilliant performance under the Chirag post. This time he acrobatically saves to deny Ranty once again.
52′: Ranty misses an open header. These lost chances may prove to be costly for Dempo.
55′: Dempo continues in the same attacking fashion. They should have gone 3-0 up by this time. Poor finishing is costing them dearly.
57′: Lalkamal brings down Ranty outside the box. Free kick for the home team in a dangerous position.
58′: Agaian the same old story. Poor poor header by Peter from an unmarked position. Ball goes out over and wide.
60′: Mondal makes another good save. He comes out of his line to reach before Clifton could intercept the pass from Peter.
64′: No goals yet in the second half.
67′: Change for Dempo. Joaquim IN, Clifton OUT.
70′: Joaquim Abrahanches introduction has upped Dempo’s attacking tempo. But they are unable to increase their lead. Chirag is playing a catch up game here.
72′: Chirag making some positive attacking moves. But Dempo back line is defending with purpose.
75′: Joshimar makes a good run into the box, but John Dias was alert and clears the danger.
80′: Second change by Chirag. Denson replaced by Asim.
85′: Suddenly the tempo of the match gets dropped. The play is restricted to the midfield for the time being. Surprisingly no urgency from the Chirag players either!
87′: Nice one-two by Beto and Joaquim, but the final delivery goes straight to Mondal.
88′: Chance for Chirag here. From a floating corner, the ball falls for Chika inside the Dempo box, but Nicolau makes a brilliant block.
90′: We are into the last minute of regulation time. Dempo gets a free kick as Gouranga fouls Joaquim.
91′: GOOOAAALLLL !!! Chirag scores. Joshimar da Silva Martins is the scorer. A mistake by Dempo defense gifted the equalizer to the Kolkata side. 3 minutes of injury time.
FT: Dempo SC 1-1 Chirag United :: both the teams share the spoils here. Chirag did not deserve to get one point from today’s game which was completely dominated by Dempo. Yet a costly mistake by the Dempo defense in the dying minutes of the match allowed Chirag to score the equalizer.
Thanks for joining in. Please visit back again, till the time our “Weekly Diary” will be up to revisit back the key moments of this round’s clashes.