SC East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC played out a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) to open their respective campaigns at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco da Gama’s Goa on Sunday.
ISL 2021-22: East Bengal and Jamshedpur share loot (@ISL photo)
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- Jamshedpur FC managed to hold SC East Bengal to a 1-1 draw
- Peter Hartley cancels Franzo Pros’ opener in extra time
- East Bengal will next face arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in Kolkata Derby
Peter Hartley concedes a Franzo Press first-half goal as SC East Bengal face a 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC at Vasco da’s Tilak Maidan Stadium in their opening match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021–22 season. Had to do Gama, Goa
Both goals came from set pieces. Croatian defender Franjo Prase (17′) made a fine opener for the red and gold, while Peter Hartley (45 + 3′) equalized for the Men of Steel at the stroke of halftime.
Jose Manuel Diaz made his ISL debut for SC East Bengal alongside Heera Mandal and Lalrinliana Hanamate, starting in a classic 4-4-2 formation. Jamshedpur FC sported a familiar form with new attacking pairing Jordan Murray and Greg Stewart being named on the bench.
Two youngsters in particular impressed during the initial few exchanges. Boris Singh made his mark in the attacking role for Jamshedpur, while debutant Hanmate struck an early target for the Kolkata giants.
However, it was the focus of Franzo Prase as an opener. Bikash Jayaru rolled into a corner that goalkeeper Rehneesh TP managed to overcome. Antonio Perosevic placed it again for Hanamte to pros to play, whose effort from behind found its way into the net.
Jamshedpur, eager to return, put Nerijus Valskis in front. Valskis only came close to scoring near the half-hour mark when his shot was spread around the post.
Peter Hartley dropped it at half-time to equalize. Alex Lima’s flag-kick flicked Valskis to his captain, who appeared to shoulder the ball in front of Arindam Bhattacharya, as SC East Bengal was left to blame for his defensive error.
Introducing Ishaan Pandita and Komal Thatal in the second half gave Valskis the momentum. The Lithuanian had a shot saved by last season’s Golden Glove winner Arindam, when Ishaan nearly snuffed out the goal.
Even Diaz tried his hand at replacement. Amir Darvasevik and Jackichand Singh replaced Daniel Cheema and young Hanamte at around the hour mark.
Murray was given 20 minutes for Valkis but both teams displayed exceptional discipline in the second half. Jamshedpur though looked fast favorites but could not pose a serious threat.
SC East Bengal will next take on arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby at the same ground on Saturday.
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