ISL 2020-21: Roy Krishna scores as ATK Mohun Bagan beat SC East Bengal 3-1 in Kolkata derby

Roy Krishna powered ATK Mohun Bagan to a 3-1 win over SC East Bengal in the Kolkata derby at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday. The 33-year-old forward scored the opening goal before assisting their other two goals to help the Mariners complete the double over their city rivals and extend their winning run in Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 to five games.

ATK Mohun Bagan dominated the proceedings early in the game and made their chances pay within the first 15 minutes. Tiri delivered a beautiful long pass over the SC East Bengal defence and Roy Krishna was the first to get to the ball. The Fijian beat the defenders and rounded the goalkeeper before slotting across the ball into the back of the net.

The Mariners upped the ante after their goal and a defence-splitting pass was hit on target by Marcelo Pereira in the 23rd minute. However, Subrata Paul got a hand on the effort to keep the Red and Gold Brigade in the hunt.

Although ATK Mohun Bagan kept their cool and stifled the opponent’s attack, the equaliser for SC East Bengal came in the 41st minute. Raju Gaikwad’s long throw into the ATK Mohun Bagan penalty box glanced off Tiri’s head to beat the goalkeeper for an own goal. This ensured both teams headed into the break 1-1.

David Williams took a shot towards goal a minute after the restart and the attempt was inches off the post. Moments later at the other end, Bright Enobakhare controlled the ball from a goalkick and tried a long-distance shot which went over the crossbar.

After absorbing the initial SC East Bengal pressure well in the second half, ATK Mohun Bagan went ahead for a second time in the 72nd minute. Daniel Fox was guilty of conceding possession to Krishna, who passed the ball to Williams. The Australian powered a shot into the bottom right corner to give his side the lead.

Chances were at a premium for SC East Bengal after the second Mariners goal, and in the 83rd minute, Sarthak Golui’s header from a short corner went over the crossbar. The Mariners cleared their lines well to keep their opponents at bay. Their efforts were paid off with a third goal in the 89th minute.

As SC East Bengal players pushed forward in search of an equalising goal, Javier Hernandez did well to head the ball into the path of Krishna. The Fijian bided his time waiting for Hernandez to make the run and then played a lofted cross into the box which was headed into the back of the net by the Spanish midfielder.

Subrata Paul then made a crucial save in the final minutes of injury time before the match ended in favour of the Mariners. This win ensured that league leaders ATK Mohun Bagan took a commanding five-point lead over Mumbai City FC, who play Jamshedpur FC on Saturday.