ISL 2021-22: Late Ishan Pandita strike helps Jamshedpur FC beat SC East Bengal
Ishan Pandita’s late goal handed Jamshedpur FC the full three points in the match and took them to the top of the ISL points table.
A resilient performance from Jamshedpur FC saw them win 1-0 against SC East Bengal in the Indian Super League 2021-22 match at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday. The result helped Owen Coyle’s men to leapfrog the competition and reach first place in the points table with 19 points.
Ishan Pandita (88’) was the difference-maker after scoring another late goal with a towering header to secure the three points for Jamshedpur.
The early exchanges saw both teams create half chances. Arindam Bhattacharja was called into action in the 27th minute after Jordan Murray found space behind the defensive line. The goalkeeper did well to leave the box and make the clearance. No major scoring chances fell to either team until the half-hour mark.
Boris Singh had a good chance to open the scoring in the final stages of the first half. The winger found himself unmarked inside the box but his header was disappointing and went way above the crossbar. Despite dominating the possession and creating more attacking opportunities, JFC was not able to score as both teams went into the break with the score deadlocked at 0-0.
The Men of Steel started the second-half on the front foot, with Murray hitting the crossbar with a looping header. Influential defender Adil Khan had to be replaced just before the hour mark by Darren Sidoel due to an injury. Murray then had another shot saved by Arindam who parried the ball away with a strong right hand.
The last 15-minutes saw JFC attack with more intensity. Murray was again on target in the 85th minute but his right-footed shot lacked the power to beat the SCEB custodian. However, it was Ishan Pandita yet again who scored a late goal to break SCEB hearts. The striker scored with a precise header after meeting with Greg Stewart’s corner. Pandita’s goal was enough to secure the win and propel JFC to the top of the league table.
Jamshedpur FC will next face high-flying Hyderabad FC at the Athletic Stadium on Monday. On the other hand, SC East Bengal meets Derrick Pereira’s FC Goa at the same venue next Wednesday.