Kolkata: East Bengal ended its Calcutta Football League campaign on a high, thrashing Coal India 7-0 at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Saturday.
However, the win was not enough to hand the title to the reigning Indian Super League and Durand Cup champion, which finished second in the standings, two points behind winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The Mariners beat Mohammedan SC 3-2 to secure its 31st CFL title, inching it close to East Bengal’s record of 41.
The Red and Gold Brigade, which fielded a reserve side in the tournament, was quick off the block, taking a two-goal lead in 10 minutes, thanks to strikes from Mohamed Bilal and Bijay Murmu.
East Bengal kept its foot on the pedal and would have grabbed several more in the first half, if not for the efforts of Coal India goalkeeper Sanjoy Kumar Bhattacharyya.
East Bengal came out more motivated in the second half and extended its lead in the 53rd minute after Aaksh Hemram latched onto a through ball from Jay Baz. Seven minutes later, Akash turned provider as he raced down the left wing before laying the ball off for an easy finish to Bijay.
The fifth came in the 66th minute from Tanmay Das, who made no mistake from the spot after Coal India was penalised for handball inside the box.
The remaining two strikes came in added time, with East Bengal capitalising on sloppy defending, which allowed substitute Uttam Hansda to get on the scoresheet and Hemram to complete a brace.
Despite the win, East Bengal fell short of the title win as their arch rival Mohun Bagan defeated Mohammedan SC 3-2 at Barasat Stadium. East Bengal earlier tied with United Sports Club and Mohammedan SC in Super 6 stage which hampered their hattrick of titles.
Brief Scorecard:
East Bengal: 7 (Md Bilal 2′, Bijay Murmu 10′, 60′, Akash 53′, 90+9′, Tanmay Das 66′, Uttam Hansda 90+8′).
Coal India SPA : 0.
