Prayag stops East Bengal’s unbeaten run

Kolkata, Dec 16 (IANS) East Bengal suffered their first loss in the I-League this year courtesy a 0-1 defeat to Prayag United SC at Salt Lake Stadium here Sunday.

continued to be the nemesis for East Bengal who faltered yet again against the lesser-known Kolkata opponent to suffer their first loss of the I-League.

The 11th round match saw a reversal of roles as Prayag United regained their winning form ending a run of three successive losses.

Nigerian goal-machine Ranty Martins found the winner late in the second half.

East Bengal had lost to the same opponent by the same margin in the last season’s I-League meeting.

Looking to extend the unbeaten run in the tournament after the violence-marred abandonment of their 10th round match against arch-rival Mohun Bagan just week ago, East Bengal could not put their plan to action as Prayag United put a more determined show.

The two teams played more intense football after a barren first half. But Prayag seemed to enjoy the edge by having a better control on the midfield.

Despite employing a lone man attack in Ranty Martins, Prayag United balanced their approach well and effectively locked up the East Bengal offence for the greater part of the action.

IANS 2012-12-16 20:04:07