Defending I-League champions, Bengaluru FC continued their winning start to the 2016/17 season beating local rivals Chennai FC 2-0 in the South Indian derby. The hosts were made to work hard for their win, scoring twice late in the game to come away with all three points.
SubstitutesRoby Norales (77') and Chekiyot Vineeth (79') scored at crucial moments to ensure that Albert Roca's side remained unbeaten but more importantly collected the three points. Despite dominating in terms of possession, Bengaluru were wasteful in attack with key players Sunil Chettri,Daniel Lalhlimpuia andUdanta Singh having uncharacteristically off days on the night.
FULL TIME. The substitutes turned the party on at the Fortress as the Blues won the South Indian derby. #ComeOnYouBlues #BFCvCCFC pic.twitter.com/h4HHjZemd1
Chennai too were a disappointment failing to trouble their rivals defense and eventually paid for their lack of urgency, shipping in two goals in the end. Bengaluru's win see's them move to the top of the table with six points, while Chennai City are in seventh place with only one point to their name so far.
In the other game on the night, East Bengal registered their first win of the season, beating DSK Shivajians 2-1 away from home.Caribbean duo of Wedson Anselme (13') and Willis Plaza (80')were the stars for the Kolkata giants, with their goals getting their campaign on track.
Best fans in the world! #JoyEastBengal #HeroILeague https://t.co/UxAh5nFqbR
DSK did put up a fight on the night and looked like they would grab a point afterGouramangi Moiranghthem equalised in the 64th minute but it was not to be as Plaza scored his first goal for the Reds and Golds to ensure they got all three points.
East Bengal's win puts them in third place on four points, two behind rivals Mohun Bagan while DSK slipped to ninth on the table, with them yet to win a game.