East Bengal showed relentless tenacity to win a seven goal thriller to overhaul a 3-1 deficit to win the match by 4-3 margin at the CFL encounter against United SC at Barasat Stadium.East Bengal were looking a shadow of their dominant self that fans are accustomed to in CFL a league that East Bengal have made their own over last 6 editions.United SC without their T.D. Subrata Bhattacharya were expected to be steam rolled in this encounter but what unfolded at the Barasat stadium was no less than dramatic in the folklore of Bengal football history. Manotosh of United SC opened the scoring with a brilliant effort from 20 yards out as the striker rattled the bar and the ball eventually landed at the back of the net to make 1-0.
East Bengal were 1-0 down till half time as drama unfolded right at the start of second half as 3 minutes into second half Dika made it 1-1,United SC looked dangerous on the break as they caught East Bengal defence napping earning a penalty as Amod Mahato was brought down by East Bengal keeper while trying to salvage a disastrous backpass.Bello made it 2-1 from the spot at 53 minutes.
As East Bengal looked to pressed forward in search of an equalizer United SC seized the opportunity with a brilliant counter attack as Budhiram Tudu found space down the flank made a darting run towards the box and his measured pass found VP Suhair who gave United a 3-1 lead at 63 minutes with a neat finish.
East Bengal looked hapless at this point as United looked more and more dangerous at this point and the could have easily increased the margin.Morgan was forced to make some tactical changes bringing in Du Dong and Prahlad Roy as East Bengal pressed harder in search of leveling the deficit and it paid rewards immediately as Bello fouled Dika inside the box giving East Bengal a crucial penalty and Dong made no mistake to make it 3-2 for the Red and Gold.Suddenly,East Bengal found their rhythm and pace in the game as 6 minutes later Arnab made it 3-3 with a towering header from the corner.
United SC seemed to lost their plot as they abandoned their usual style of play and looked to salvage a point and East Bengal pressed harder with waves of attack eventually the United SC defence failed to cope with pressure as Dika made it 4-3 at 88 minutes to give East Bengal a dramatic 4-3 win and keep their dream of winning the league for record 7 times alive !!
