SC East Bengal registered their first win in the Indian Super League after they defeated Odisha FC 3-1 on the night with goals from Anthony Pilkington, Jacques Maghoma, and debut hero Bright Enobakhare. The Kalinga Warriors found the next once courtesy of an own scored by Danny Fox.
It was in the 12th minute when the Red and Gold Brigade took the lead in the game. They earned a throw-in and in came Raju Gaikwad with his long and iconic throw-ins. The ball came deep into the penalty area and the defenders allowed it to bounce inside the penalty box as Pilkington was first to react and head it home. Maghoma doubled the lead with a stunning individual goal where he feinted past several Odisha FC defenders and then tucked the ball in from a very tough angle.
Lastly, Bright came on to make his debut and was highly involved in the build-up play. While the Nigerian’s first shot on target was saved by Arshdeep Singh, the rebound was collected by Surchandra Singh who then passed it back to Bight who was completely unmarked in the penalty box. The 22-year old came up with a smart finish to pile up the misery on Odisha FC.
SC East Bengal looking deadly in attack
For the first time this season, the Red and Gold Brigade looked deadly in a match. The attacking movements that Robbie Fowler’s men showed were immaculate and can be threatening if they get their midfield and defence in order. Players like Pilkington, Maghoma, and Mohammad Rafique have shown their ability to get in behind the opposition backline and cause problems by entering the half-spaces in the final third.
Adding to this trio, the new signing Bright will also make a mark as he has shown that he is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and can bring others into action. The young Nigerian is someone who has pace and will bring in a lot more cohesion in the attacking unit of SC East Bengal.
Odisha FC missed too many chances
The Kalinga Warriors were always in the game. That is even when they were 0-2 down. They still had the will to fight. However, the attacking moves that took place were mostly wasted by the likes of Manuel Onwu and Diego Mauricio. While Onwu tried to move around and stretch the SC East Bengal defence, Mauricio could not capitalize on that space and most of his shots were either too weak to challenge Debjit Majumder in goal or were way off target.
There was cohesion between Jerry, Mauricio and Onwu. It was quite evident yet again as they missed a horde of chances in the second half. Jerry showed a lot of heart and created some great opportunities. That was only for the foreign strikers upfront to squander them. If the players play like this then Stuart Baxter’s team is in big trouble.
Bright Enobakhare shines on debut
The former Wolves striker came on at the 73rd minute to replace Maghoma. When he first came, he was very mobile. He had that hunger to do something with the ball. He dropped deep and had some crucial role in some of the buildup. Before his arrival, the Red and Golds were losing the grip from the game. However, Bright came and slowed down the tempo. This allowed the defenders to take a breather.
His excellent link-up play and then calm and composed finish saw him score on his ISL debut. While SC East Bengal waited long and hard for a foreign striker it looks like the Nigerian can be the one for them. They could have finally found a player, who can take them forward this season.
