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East Bengal returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Minerva Punjab in the penultimate round of the I-League in Barasat. Wedson Anselme (31st), Robin Singh (52nd minute via a penalty) and substitute Bikash Jairu (90th) were the scorers for East Bengal, who had slipped out of I-League title contention after a four-match losing streak under coach Trevor Morgan. East Bengal, however, failed to keep a clean sheet as Krishna Pandit struck deep into injury time. Playing under interim coach Ranjan Chowdhury after Morgan's exit, East Bengal brightened their hopes for a top- three finish as they breached the 30-point mark, three behind rivals Mohun Bagan, who slipped to second after their 1-0 defeat to Aizawl FC yesterday. East Bengal complete their I-League engagement against relegation-wary Mumbai FC on April 29, while ninth-placed Minerva travel to Pune. Minerva, who narrowly lost to Mohun Bagan in their last outing, were sloppy to start with and goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh escaped with a yellow card in the 22th minute after a body tackle on Jackichand Singh. East Bengal nearly conceded in the 29th minute when Amobi shot from a close range, but Gurwinder Singh made a goal-line save. Two minutes later, East Bengal found the opening after Wedson headed one on the bounce to the far post. East Bengal earned a penalty after Moinuddin Khan handled the ball, and Robin converted from the spot. Lajong earn late point against Mumbai A late equaliser from Yuta Kinowaki earned Shillong Lajong a point against already relegated Mumbai FC at the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai. The match ended 1-1 in what was Lajong's last away game of the season. Mumbai took an early lead in the 2nd minute courtesy a thumping shot from the right by Victorino Fernandes. Lajong's relentless search for the equaliser ended in the 91st minute when Kinowaki half-volleyed to keep Lajong within two points of fourth place Bengaluru FC. Mumbai were dominant from the start as new coach Oscar Bruzon saw his team transfer their early goal momentum. Lajong were missing the services of top scorer, Dipanda Dicka due to injury and they failed to create any clear cut chances in the first half. Their best chance came in the 27th when Isaac Vanmalsawma, who was their best player, almost bought parity with his free-kick. There were more chances in the second half though. Kinowaki hit the bar in the 60th; Mumbai Siam Hangal's screamer was saved by Vishal Kaith. Lajong kept most of the ball searching for the equaliser as Mumbai tried to hit them on the counter. They had many chances on the counter but lacked imagination in front of goal. They were left to rue their missed chances as Kinowaki spoiled their party with the late goal. The Japanese found space on the edge of the box, controlled a great ball and did well to take the half volley to the top left corner of goal. The result sees no movement for either side in the table as Mumbai stand relegated and Lajong are placed fifth with just one set of games left till the end of the season.
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