SC East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC share spoils in 1-1 draw

Vipin Pawar/Focus Sports/ ISL

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SC East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC cancelled each other out in an intense match that ended 1-1 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Sunday.

Both goals came from set pieces. Croatian defender Franjo Prce (17') opened the scoring for SCEB while Peter Hartley (45+3') equalised at the stroke of halftime for JFC.

Jose Manuel Diaz started in a classic 4-4-2 formation with Hira Mondal and Lalrinliana Hnamte making their ISL debuts for SC East Bengal. Jamshedpur FC sported a familiar look from last season with new attacking duo Jordan Murray and Greg Stewart named on the bench.

The opening few exchanges saw two youngsters impress particularly. Boris Singh made his mark in an attacking role for Jamshedpur while debutant Hnamte had a shot on target early for the Kolkata giants.

However, it was centre back Franjo Prce that found the opener. Bikash Jairu swung in a corner that goalkeeper Rehenesh TP managed to parry off. Antonio Perosevic brought it back into play for Hnamte to lay it in for Prce, who bicycle kicked it toward goal, it was deflected past Rehenesh.

Peter Hartley then equalised with almost the last action of the first half. Alex Lima's corner kick had an unmarked Nerijus Valskis flick it off for his captain who appeared to shoulder the ball past Arindam Bhattacharja.

Ishan Pandita and Komal Thatal's introduction in the second half gave an impetus to Valskis. The Lithuanian had a shot saved by last season's Golden Glove winner Arindam after Ishan came close. Meanwhile, Amir Dervisevic and Jackichand Singh replaced Daniel Chima and young Hnamte around the hour mark.

Murray was brought in for Valskis with 20 minutes to go but both defenses held their ground.

SC East Bengal next face arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata derby at the same ground on Saturday.