East Bengal v NorthEast United: Khalid Jamil takes NorthEast closer towards playoffs

NorthEast had the first chance of the game in the 3rd minute after Luis Machado found Deshorn Brown with a pass into the box for the Jamaican striker to test the goalkeeper with an early effort. The Highlanders were the more threatening side and spent a lot of the half in SC East Bengal’s box as they looked to probe openings and create chances.

NorthEast took the lead just three minutes into the second period after Imran Khan played a ball into the box for Suhair to attack and slot into the back of the net. Brown could have doubled the Highlanders’ lead in the 53rd minute when a brilliant ball by Lalengmawia put the NorthEast striker through on goal. The Jamaican’s shot though failed to beat the goalkeeper as SC East Bengal breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the Highlanders did double their lead soon after courtesy of an SC East Bengal own goal. Nim Dorjee crossed the ball into a dangerous area in the box where Golui miscued his attempted clearance and put the ball into the net.

Things went from bad to worse for SC East Bengal in the 71st minute when Gaikwad was sent for an early shower following a second yellow card for a foul on Brown, who seemed to have a clear run at goal. SC East Bengal then pulled one back after Golui managed to pull one back four minutes later when Golui headed a set-piece into the net to set up a nervy finish. The Highlanders though held their nerve and defended resolutely to secure the three points and stay on track for a top four finish. With this result, Jamshedpur FC’s remote semis hopes also got completely dashed.

Hero of the Match – Suhair Vadakkepeedika

Suhair Vadakkepeedika put in another top performance for NorthEast. He had a good passing accuracy of 74% and scored the opening goal of the game for the Highlanders. Suhair also completed a successful tackle, one block, two successful interceptions and two clearances.

(Inputs from ISL Media / Photo NeutdFC Twitter)