Shaiza8217;s strike settles issue

CHENNAI, JAN 31: There is a thin line which separates the champion side and the hopeful ones. East Bengal rode on that confidence to roll past Indian Bank 1-0 in the Philips League Football at the Nehru stadium on Saturday.

East Bengal8217;s tally looks a healthy 14 from nine points, while Indian Bank slipped to their seventh defeat. With six points from eight outings, the bankmen have a task at hand to remain in the elite league.

Even as the thin crowd was expecting East Bengal8217;s Bhaichung Bhutia to unfold his magic, their goal came from a sudden breakaway move. Tushar Rakshit, known for his unerring crosses, floated one and there looked no imminent danger to the bank goal. Somatai Shaiza with no bank defenders in sight found the angle.