Robbie Fowler’s SC East Bengal failed to get out of a spiral of defeats as they fell 0-2 against NorthEast United FC (NUFC) at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa, on Saturday.

After setbacks against ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC, the latest loss — the “worst performance” so far according to coach Fowler — would surely force the ISL debutants to rethink on a lot of issues. It is perhaps worse for their fans with arch-rivals ATK Bagan riding high on a hat-trick of wins.

Former Liverpool star Fowler was again critical of his players. “Wastefulness in the attacking third is a factor. We have lacked a bit of dynamism in the final third. This was our worst performance,” he said.

An own goal by Surchandra Singh in the 33rd minute and Rochharzela’s strike in added time helped NUFC bag full points. This was their second win in four games.

SC East Bengal had more ball possession (57 per cent) than their opponents and, if one may say so, played better than previous matches, but without goals — they are yet to score one this season — all their hard work goes down the drain.

They would also feel bitter as a couple of key refereeing decisions went against them.

Fowler’s team could have got a penalty in the 20th minute when Ashutosh Mehta tripped Jacques Maghoma inside the box with his knee but referee Santosh Kumar chose not to award the spot-kick.

NUFC kept their opponent busy with counterattacks and that tactic paid off at the half-hour mark when they took the lead in a fortuitous manner. Kwesi Appiah made a fine run on the right flank and found Idrissa Sylla in the box. The striker failed to make good contact, but the ball deflected off SC East Bengal defender Surchandra’s leg and went in.

At the hour mark, Fowler’s team had another penalty claim when Anthony Pilkington’s shot at goal seemed to have brushed a NUFC defender’s arm before being parried by goalkeeper Gurmeet. Once again, the referee decided against it.

“I thought (the penalties) were blatant. Certainly, the one in the first half was clear-cut. The second one, for me, was clear-cut as well,” Fowler complained after the game.

Suhair Vadakkepeedika picked out Rochharzela in the box and the youngster doubled the lead.