Frustrations aplenty in draw against Punjab FC
After the high flying result against the Highlanders last week, the Red and Gold Brigade had to settle for a point at the Salt Lake Stadium last night against a resolute Punjab FC team.
Going into the game with the knowledge that a positive result would get them into the Top 6, Coach Cuadrat named an attacking line up to make the most of the home conditions with in form Nandhakumar returning to the side and Nishu coming in for injured Khabra.
The boys began the game in dominating fashion as the ball stayed in the opposition half for much of the opening few minutes with the likes of Mahesh and Borja pulling the strings and creating opportunities up front.
Despite the early proceedings, the boys couldn’t find the net and the opposition grew into the game, getting close to scoring the opener via Mera’s effort on the 39th minute which hit the crossbar.
With nothing to separate the two sides at the break, both teams came out in the second half looking for the lead.
Chances were not forthcoming however and when they came, they were squandered at both ends of the pitch.
With the clock ticking down on the final whistle, the boys continued to pile on the pressure retaining most of the ball towards the end but a resolute Punjab defence held their own amidst heavy pressure.
With a point picked up after the 0-0 stalemate, the Red and Gold Brigade momentarily climb upto 6th in the league table.
Speaking after the game, Coach Cuadrat said, “We know that we have to fight a lot for the three points and we did that from the first to the last minute.”
“However, the lack of a final pass made it a very even match. Any team could (have) won,” he added.
East Bengal will return to action on Saturday as they take on Mumbai City FC away from home in a game that could prove to be the toughest test yet this season.