East Bengal slumped to their fourth loss in as many matches when Jamshedpur FC defeated the visitors 2-0 in the ISL-XI match at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Saturday.
Rei Tachikawa scored in the first half to give Khalid Jamil’s side the lead. In the second half, East Bengal defender Lalchungnunga’s own goal sealed the deal for the Men of Steel.
East Bengal were bad in every aspect. Their finishing was poor, defence was not organised and the teamwork was lacking. Cleiton Silva could have scored a hat-trick, Saul Crespo flunked a penalty and Madih Talal failed to convert from close. Interim coach Bino Geroge could only watch helplessly from the sidelines.
Crespo’s penalty miss was funny. He stepped up to take the spot-kick, and attempted to deceive the goalkeeper by faking a shot to the left. His effort went straight into the hands of a well-positioned Albino Gomes.
As the derby is slated for October 19, East Bengal now should make the most of the international break and try to regroup. A new coach is expected to be here but his task is cut out. The red and gold brigade has yet to open their account in the league.