I-League: East Bengal held by United SC to 1-1 draw

Diminutive defender Dhanachandra Singh's second half strike earned United SC a fine 1-1 draw against fancied East Bengal in their 11th round I-League at the floodlit Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday.

Fresh from their derby victory on Sunday, East Bengal started in an inspiring fashion with Edeh Chidi's 32nd minute goal but Singh headed in the equaliser in the 59th minute dodging burly Uga Okpara to take some points off their fancied local opponents.

United SC now have 16 points from 10 matches, while East Bengal have 11 from seven outings.

For newly appointed East Bengal coach Armando Colaco who started his stint with a fine win over bitter foes Mohun Bagan the draw may be demoralising as they hit the road for five consecutive away fixtures.

East Bengal sprung into action rightway when derby hero Lalrindika Ralte looked to threaten the opposition with a fine free-kick which beat Ishan Debanth before hitting the post on its way.

The red-and-gold brigade clearly looked more penetrating in the first half.

United SC too benefitted from a dubious decision when a penalty was ruled out with Debnath bringing down Chidi inside the box.

But moments later the Nigerian fired in the lead utilising a Saumik Dey header.

East Bengal was also wasteful after the changeover with Ryuji Sueoka missed an easy chance to double the lead.

But United SC were in no mood to give up with Dhanachandra scoring the all important goal beating the tall Okpara, in one rare lapse by the burly EB defender.