EB ground A-I on home turf

Man of the Match, East Bengal’s star striker Bhaichung Bhutia, scored in the first half before Nigerian mid-fielder Abayomi Felix swelled the lead mid-way through the second.

Substitute Nitin Shetty pulled one back in the 85th minute for the out-of-depth airmen who remained at fifth spot.

Both sides improved on their last season’s performance by a slot, though Air-India (26 points) must experience disappointment at failing to finish among the first three after starting the match on a confident note.

The defeat was the Mumbai Super Division champions’ first at home in the League this season and their eventualposition can be viewed as a comedown after a fine unbeaten run in the first leg.

Watching the proceedings today was national coach Syed Nayeemuddin, reportedly on a scouting assignment in the city.

He for one must have viewed Air-India’s performance in proper perspective and interest. As did technical director PK Banerjee guiding East Bengal, who praised his opposite number Bimal Ghosh profusely for making do with resources devoid of imports and limited budget.

Just falling short of calling the encounter today his swansong, an emotional Banerjee, revealed his decision to take a break from coaching.

The former Tata Football Academy technical director attributed his side’s victory to superior tactical organisation. "PK", as Banerjee is popularly called, said: "We were more focussed and that was the main difference between the sides."

PK’s opposite number, Bimal Ghosh, admitted his side had a very bad day. "This was our worst match of the League," Ghosh said. "We lacked rhythm, missed sitters at thestart and were out of the game when we conceded an early goal."

Ghosh, usually steering from controversy, criticised poor refereeing in the League, citing today’s match as a point in case.

Ghosh found fault in referee Inayatullah Khan awarding East Bengal an indirect free-kick in the area. The award punished Khenthang Paite’s back-pass to goalkeeper Yusuf Ansari but Ghosh claimed East Bengal’s Bhutia played the ball before Ansari collected.

Air-India demonstrated their old failing in the opening minutes as Anthony Fernandes missed two good opportunities. But within time, East Bengal’s better team-work began to tell.

Somatai `Soso’ Shaiza, effervescent in the first half, sent another menacing cross from the left. Bhutia lurking in the box volleyed home powerfully in the 13th minute after defenders Sandeep Kharat and Subir Sinha were left clueless.

Air-India pushed another man into attack with the entry of Abbas Ali Rizvi in place of defender Kharat mid-way through the half but their movements lackedcohesion.

After chances fell at either end, Felix buried Air-India’s hopes in the 67th minute with East Bengal’s second goal.

Bhutia’s cross from the left flank found the Nigerian unmarked and a shot from top of the box deflected off Ajay Acharya into goal.

Samuel Omollo, East Bengal’s star defender, abandoned his forays upfield in a quiet second-half role. It illustrated the Calcutta side’s preference to lay low until opportunities to attack arrived.

Air-India, helped by a casual East Bengal defence, scored with the minutes ticking away rapidly. Rizvi back-headed Taposh’s long forward pass into the area where Nitin Shetty punished lethargy by Omollo and Debashish Paul Chowdury.PK Banerjee takes a break

"I am tired and need a break," Banerjee said as he reflected on a hectic tenure as East Bengal coach that commenced straight after endingthat with the Tata Football Academy (TFA) in Feb 1997.

"PK", however, did not announce his next move but revealed interest in an offer by Goa’s Salgaocar in the development of the game at the grassroot level. He said: "Salgaocar are forming an academy to train very young players and are interested in my services as consultant."

PK added, "any role connected with the development programme of the Indian side would also interest me."

The rise in players fortunes in the wake of the National League enthuses PK, one of India’s most illustrious players and coaches. Viewing FC Kochi’s IM Vijayan and East Bengal’s Baichung Bhutia as the country’s best strikers in that order, Banerjee laments the paucity of quality players.

As he did the standard of the just-concluded National League, which lagged way behind the inaugural edition last season.