SC East Bengal were held 1-1 by Jamshedpur FC in a 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) game at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Sunday.
Both goals came from set pieces. Croatian defender Franjo Prce (17′) scored a delightful opener for the Red and Golds while Peter Hartley (45+3′) equalised at the stroke of halftime for the Men of Steel.
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 rather familiar look with new attacking duo Jordan Murray and Greg Stewart named on the bench.
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, whose back volleyed effort found its way into the net.
Jamshedpur FC were not able to penetrate despite enjoying greater possession but a goal at the fag end of the first 45 by Peter Hartley helped them to get back in the game.
Both the teams displayed extraordinary discipline in the second half with more of a midfield game.
Both SC East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC shared the Club Award while Antonio Perosevic won the Hero of the Match Award.
SC East Bengal will next face arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata derby at this very ground on Saturday.
Picture Courtesy: Indian Super League Twitter
