East Bengal registered their third win of the 2018-19 I-League season by beating Gokulam Kerala 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday.
After suffering three back-to-back defeats against Chennai City (1-2), Aizawl FC (2-3) and Minerva (0-1), the traditional heavyweights of Indian football produced a complete performance to revive their season.
Brandon Vanlalremdika (4th minute), Jobby Justin (14th) and Lalram Chullova (82nd) were on target as the Red and Gold brigade secured their first win on home soil this season.
In the 58th minute, Ghanaian striker Christian Sabah pulled one back for Gokulam Kerala FC tapping the ball into an open net after goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar was caught napping.
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After six matches, they are on nine points, as they climbed past bitter foes Mohun Bagan on goal difference ahead of their December 16 clash.
Gokulam too remained on nine points, having played a match extra.
There were ugly scenes at the middle of the pitch in the 78th minute when Guilherme Batata brought down Lalrindika Ralte who reacted angrily and head-butted the former but only to escape with a yellow card.
Smarting from a hat-trick of defeats, East Bengal started their campaign on a rousing note with Vanlalremdika slotting the ball home to the far post after being fed by Jobby Justin in front of the boisterous fans.
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Jobby doubled the lead after raiding the box from the left. It was Lalrindika Ralte who sent a through ball down the left flank and the Kerala forward did no mistake.
Chullova sealed the issue with a fine finish after Lalrindika ran down the middle of the park with the ball before setting up the former.
(With PTI inputs)
