EB come good in second half

Calcutta, Dec 15: East Bengal registered their first win in the fourth edition of the National Football League today, defeating a depleted...

Calcutta, Dec 15: East Bengal registered their first win in the fourth edition of the National Football League today, defeating a depleted Indian Telephone Industries ITI, Bangalore, 3-1 in their second encounter. They had lost 0-1 to Tollygunge Agragami in the opener.

All four goals came in the second half. East Bengal8217;s Jackson drew first blood in the 58th minute, RC Prakash drew parity four minutes later. The hosts again surged ahead in the 71st minute riding on a goal by Renedy Singh. Bijen Singh widened the margin three minutes before the whistle.

FC Kochin held
KOCHI: Giant killers Manaksia Tollygunge Agragami survived a barrage of attacks from FC Kochin before holding them to a one-all draw today.

After a barren first half, FC Kochin got the vital lead through a self goal by midfielder Biswanath Mondal in the 59th minute. Medio Moses Oira came to the rescue of Tollygunge, capitalising a defence lapse to neutralise in the 67th minute. FC Kochin missed many chances. The match wasstopped for 28 minutes following technical problem with the lights.

Momentum with Churchill
MUMBAI: Churchill Brothers have the momentum of a dream start to the NFL a 5-0 drubbing of Dempo propelling them as they take on Mahindras in tomorrow8217;s encounter at the Cooperage. The two sides may have shared honours in a 1-1 draw in their Rovers Cup league match last month, but Mahindras, unlike Churchill, opened their NFL campaign unimpressively, drawing 0-0 with rookies ITI, Bangalore.

Mahindras coach SS Hakim said his team would have to play attacking football and put an end to this spate of draws. Mahindras have two losses, two wins and two draws in their last six matches. 8220;It is not inconsistency. We are not converting chances,8221; Hakim said.

UNI adds: Churchill are likely to miss Goan central defender Osmana Hussain due to a pulled hamstring. However, striker Francis Silveira, on a high plane after his terrific burst of four in Churchill8217;s win over Dempo, will be hard to contain.

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BrunoCoutinho returns
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Unfazed by the tall stature of their rivals, local lads SBT will be looking for an upset victory when they take on defending champions Salgaocar here tomorrow.

The return of Bruno Coutinho has pepped the spirit of Goan side.

Chima suspended
CALCUTTA: Mohun Bagan striker Chima Okerie8217;s suspension has been extended by two years after he failed to pay the fine of Rs three lakh within the stipulated time frame. The Nigerian striker, who was initially suspended for eight months for manhandling a referee on August 30, had been directed by the Indian Football Association to pay the fine.