Indian football giant, SC East Bengal could not carry the inning momentum from its previous game, as it settled for a hard-fought, yet frustrating, 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL), at the Tilak Maidan in Goa, on Wednesday. The draw meant that SCEB rises to the ninth place, while Goa stays on the third.
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In the 56th minute, SCEB's Daniel Fox was shown a red card for having brought down Romario Jesuraj just outside the box. While Bright Enobakhare initially handed SCEB the lead in the 79th minute, it was just a couple of minutes later when Devendra Murgaokar levelled it for Goa, as both settled for a point each.
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Despite the draw, SCEB head coach, Robbie Fowler, was satisfied with the result, as he said, "Delighted, I think we did well. But, every game we are up against the referee. And, we have to live with that. Two players went for the ball, he (Daniel Fox) won the ball. I don't know why he was sent off. I hope it's only a one-game ban. The attitude, intention and desire was brilliant from the team after being reduced to 10. We looked dangerous during set-pieces."
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"Our boys deserve a lot of credit. Goa are a very good team. They were dragging our players to all parts of the park at times. Obviously, I'm delighted with the point. (Anthony) Pilkington had a knock and that's why he was rested. Hopefully, he'll be ready for the next game. (Jacques) Maghoma had a small problem too, but he was eager to go on from the bench and provided the assist. We are improving with each passing match," added Fowler.
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Meanwhile, Goa manager, Juan Ferrando, too, expressed a similar feeling, as he reckoned, "I'm happy with our performance. In the first half, we had great opportunities. The team was pressing high and creating chances. But, we, unfortunately, couldn't score. Sometimes it's necessary to change the plan in attack. This game we went for the 4-3-3 formation."
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"We had positive things in the first 45 minutes but suffered on the counter. After that, I had long conversations with Edu Bedia, discussing multiple stuff regarding the game. It's important to have a good captain-coach relationship. Despite getting only a point tonight, I'm proud of my players and they'll come back stronger in the next match." concluded Ferrando.
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