ISL 2021-22: Ishaan Pandita’s late strike sinks East Bengal; Takes Jamshedpur to the top of the table

A late strike from Ishan Pandita helped Jamshedpur to a narrow 1-0 win over struggling SC East Bengal in the Indian Super League here on Tuesday.

The result allowed Owen Coyle’s men to leapfrog into the competition and finish first on the points table with 19 points.

Pandita turned the difference-maker after scoring another late goal in the 88th minute to secure three points for Jamshedpur FC.

The opening exchange saw both teams create half chances as there was little to separate the teams. Arindam Bhattacharya was called into action in the 27th minute after Murray was placed behind the defensive line.

The goalkeeper did well to leave the box and clear it. For half an hour neither team got any big chance to score. In the last leg of the first half, Boris Singh had a good chance to score. The winger found himself unmarked inside the box but his header was disappointing and went too high above the crossbar.

Despite dominating possession and creating more attacking opportunities, JFC was not able to score as both teams went into the break without scoring.

The Men of Steel started the second half on the front foot, with Jordan Murray hitting the crossbar with a looping header. An injury caused impressive defender Adil Khan to be replaced by Darren Sydoel just before the hour mark.

Murray then had another shot saved by Arindam, who took the ball away with a strong right hand. In the last 15 minutes, JFC attacked with greater intensity. Murray was on target again in the 85th minute but his right footed shot did not have the strength to beat the SCEB custodian.

However, it was again Ishaan Pandita who scored a late goal to break SCEB’s hearts. The striker scored with a precision header after meeting Greg Stewart’s corner.

Pandita’s goal was enough to clinch the win and take JFC to the top of the league table.

(PTI reports)