ISL 2021-22: Kerala Blasters beat SC East Bengal to get into top 4 again

Faheem Hussain/Focus Sports/ ISL

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Kerala Blasters FC entered the top-four after a narrow 1-0 win over SC East Bengal at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Monday.

Kerala are now third, up from sixth, thanks to a solitary goal by Enes Sipovic (49') who scored the winner with a towering header. East Bengal's winless run extends to five matches.

A measured approach from both teams saw few clear scoring chances in the early stages. Alvaro Vazquez was the first to hit the target for KBFC with a diving header which was easily saved by Sankar Roy between the sticks. The SCEB goalkeeper was quite busy in the remainder of the first half as well but commanded his area well.

The second half began on a sensational note for KBFC as they went into the lead courtesy of Enes Sipovic. Four minutes into the half, he connected well with a corner and guided the header past the goalkeeper to score his first goal in the ISL.

Jorge Diaz made room for himself on the 68th-minute mark but had his shot saved easily by Roy. Immediately on the other end, Antonio Perosevic unleashed a volley that almost caught Prabhsukhan Gill off-guard but did not lead to a goal. Mario Rivera made a whole host of changes post the second water break in order to inspire his team to find an equaliser.

Six minutes were added by the fourth official for stoppages but KBFC maintained their lead and secured the win with a determined defensive performance.

Kerala Blasters FC now face a stern ATK Mohun Bagan test in their next outing at the Tilak Maidan on Saturday while SC East Bengal play reigning ISL champions Mumbai City FC at Fatorda on Tuesday after a week's gap.