Robin’s brace helps East Bengal thrash Bengaluru, go top of table

BENGALURU: Robin Singh struck twice as East Bengal trounced hosts Bengaluru FC 3-1 in an illtempered match in the 10th round of the I-League at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.

With this win, East Bengal went top of the table with 24 points from 11 matches, one ahead of Aizawl FC who have 23 from 11 matches. Mohun Bagan are third with 21 points from nine matches.

In a span of five minutes between the 54th and 59th minutes, Robin netted a brace to take East Bengal to a 3-0 lead.

Wedson Ansleme scored the other goal in a match which saw tempers flaring up in the later parts with Sunil Chhetri being booked for kicking Rafique and indulging in an argument with the referee and shoving him off thereafter.

Bengaluru, however, got one back in the 84th minute, courtesy CK Vineeth on a low cross from Udanta Singh running into the box, but it was too late for the hosts to make a comeback.

In-form East Bengal broke the deadlock by taking 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute when Bukenya sent a ball from the back towards Anselme, who cut in and raced past Juanan to sent in a left-footer into the far top corner.

The second goal was scored by Robin in 54th minute after his downward header fooled goalkeeper Arindam and bounced into the net past Jhingan.

The third goal once again came from Robin, who converted the ball from close range after Chris Payne, who could have gone for a goal himself, chested a brilliant pass into his path in 59th minute.

AIZAWL: Riding a 53rd minute goal by Brandon Vanlalremdika, Aizawl FC beat Chennai FC 1-0 here on Saturday. The entire proceeding was dominated by the home side but they could have scored more given the opportunities that came Aizawl FC’s way.