Kalyani: East Bengal ended their first phase campaign on a winning note on Sunday by blanking Pailan Arrows 3-0 to revive their I-League title hopes.
After a jittery start, East Bengal drew the first blood in the 44th minute when Robin Singh’s left-footer went in.
East Bengal completely dominated the proceedings in the second-half with captain Sanju Pradhan striking a double (55th and 86th minute) to hand them their first win after four matches.
Their last win had come more than a month ago in the eighth round when they defeated Salgaocar by a solitary goal more than a month ago.
East Bengal now have 24 points from 12 matches, while the AIFF developmental outfit remain on 14.
The Trevor Morgan side had their first shot at goal in the seventh minute when Edeh Chidi took a Pradhan cross but only to hit the post.
Minutes later, Singh too squandered a fine chance as East Bengal struggled to get the going tough against their young rivals at the Kalyani Stadium here.
But their fortunes changed at the stroke of halftime when Chidi set it up as Singh made full use of it with a left-footer.
It was a different looking East Bengal on display after the changeover as looked to mount pressure on the Arrows.
First, goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal thwarted a fine attempt of Arrows, and minutes later Pradhan struck beautifully with a long ranger to give them 2-0 lead.
Pradhan completed the tally with another long-ranger afer utilising a Penn Orji pass to hand the red and gold brigade three points.
Meanwhile, in other matches, once formidable giants Salgaocar, who have hada torrid start to the season, registered only their second win in 12 games by hammering Air India 4-0 at home.
The Goan team’s victory means that Shillong Lajong FC can breathe a sigh of relief, as they remain in eighth place in the standings after their 1-2 loss to Pune on Saturday.
Air India are in ninth, following the suspension of Mohun Bagan.
All four of Salgaocar’s goals were scored in the first half, courtesy Milagres Gonsalves (21st and 26th minutes) and Augustin Fernandes (23rd and 35th).
In the other match of the day, Mumbai FC were held to a goalless draw at home by leaders Dempo. The latter now have 29 points from 13 matches, while Mumbai are in fifth place with 20 points. (PTI)
