Goa: SC East Bengal Both were held to a 1-1 draw by Jamshedpur FC in their inaugural game of ISL-2021-22 played Sunday at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco. Both goals came from set pieces. Croatian defender Franjo Prce (17th) scored a delightful opener for SC East Bengal while Peter Hartley (45+added on time) equalised at the stroke of half time for the Jamshedpur side.
Jose Manuel Diaz started in a classic 4-4-2 formation with Hira Mondal and Lalrinliana Hnamte making their ISL debuts for East Bengal. Jamshedpur FC sported a rather familiar look 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 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, whose back volleyed effort found its way into the net.
Jamshedpur, eager to get back had Nerijus Valskis press upfront. The only time Valskis came close to scoring was around the half hour mark when his shot grazed wide of the post.
Hartley left it till the brink of half time to level scores. Alex Lima’s flag-kick had Valskis flick it off for his captain who appeared to shoulder the ball past Arindam Bhattacharya, as East Bengal were left to rue their defensive error.
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 had a near sniff at goal.
Even Diaz tried his hands at substitutions. 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 teams displayed extraordinary discipline in the second half. Jamshedpur though, looked increasingly favourites but could not pose a serious threat.