Ex-Blues' Robin Singh nets twice in East Bengal win

Robin Singh scored a brace as East Bengal trounced hosts and defending champions Bengaluru FC 3-1 in an ill-tempered match of Hero I-League at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.

In a span of five minutes between 54th to 59th minutes, ex-Bengaluru striker Singh netted the brace to take East Bengal to a 3-0 lead.

Wedson Ansleme had scored the other goal in the match which saw tempers flaring up in later part with Chhetri being booked for kicking Rafique and indulging in argument with the referee and shoving him off thereafter.

Bengaluru, however, got one back into their kitty in 84th minute, courtesy CK Vineeth on a low cross across from Udanta Singh running into the box, but it was far too late for the hosts to make a comeback.

The in-form East Bengal broke the deadlock by taking 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute when Bukenya sent a ball from the back towards Anselme, who cut in and raced past Juanan to sent in a sensational left-footer into the far top corner.

The second goal was scored by Singh in 54th minute after his downward header fooled goalkeeper Arindam and bounced into the net

past Jhingan.

The third goal once again came from the foot of Singh who converted the ball from close range after Chris Payne, who could have gone for a goal himself, chested a brilliant pass into his path in 59th minute.

The first half belonged to East Bengal as they had been wily, exposing the weaknesses in the hosts' defence whenever opportunities came their way. Bengaluru were playing well from the back, but were woeful in their attacking game.

The defending Champions, who needed a much-needed win to bounce back into the reckoning this season, put up a very disappointing performance before the home crowd.

A win would have placed the team fourth in the pointstable. On the contrary, East Bengal maintained their number one position after putting up a killer show against Bengaluru.

Earlier, Aizawl FC avenged Chennai City FC defeating them, thanks to the solitary goal scored by Brandon Vanlalremdika (53') in the second half at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.

Aizawl briefly led the table with 23 points from 11 games post the win but East Bengal toppled them after defeating Bengaluru FC. Aizawl are now second, two points ahead of Mohun Bagan having played two games more.