I-League: Aizawl beat Chennai; Robin Singh's brace helps East Bengal thrash Bengaluru

Aizawl/Bengaluru: East Bengal and Aizawl FC continue to lead the I-League table with contrasting wins over Chennai FC and defending champions Bengaluru FC respectively on Sunday.

In the early kick-off in Aizawl, the home side rode on a second half goal from Brandon Vanlalremdika to blank Chennai FC 1-0 and reach the top of the points table for a short period.

Vanlalremdika scored the all important goal at the 53rd minute at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.

The Khalid Jamil coached side that defeated East Bengal 1-0 in the same venue on February 20, are now at the top of the table with 23 points from 11 outings.

They are followed by East Bengal with 11 points from 10 matches and Mohun Bagan also with 11 points from 9 outings. East Bengal have a better goal difference than the green and maroon brigade.

The entire proceeding was dominated by the home side that, however, failed to convert the opportunities that came their way.

However, in the 53rd minute, Bayi Kamo Stephane of Aizawl found fellow forward Vanlalremdika's unmarked run in the box and fed him a perfect chip that he made no mistake in converting.

Despite conceding this goal, Chennai FC custodian Karanjit Singh had a nice day under the bar.

He cleared a header from defender Zohmingliana Ralte in the 17th minute. He also saved a shot by Md Al Amna later.

Karanjit did two more brilliant saves at the fag end of first half and in the 82nd minute.

In one of the few raids into the rival citadel, Chennai's Charles Desuza, set up by Denson Devdas, reached almost near the box but was blocked by a Aizawl defender.

But their claim in the top of the table proved fleeting as East Bengal beat Bengaluru 3-1. East Bengal now have 24 points, which is one more than Aizawl.

Robin Singh struck twice as East Bengal beat Bengaluru FC 3-1 in an ill-tempered match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium later in the day.

In a span of five minutes between 54th to 59th minutes, ex-Bengaluru striker Singh netted the brace to take East Bengal to a 3-0 lead.

Wedson Ansleme had scored the other goal in the match which saw tempers flaring up in later part with Chhetri being booked for kicking Rafique and indulging in argument with the referee and shoving him off thereafter.

Bengaluru, however, got one back into their kitty in 84th minute, courtesy C K Vineeth on a low cross across from Udanta Singh running into the box, but it was far too late for the hosts to make a comeback.

Bengaluru tried to work an opening as the clock ticked away in East Bengal's favour in dying minutes.

The inform East Bengal broke the deadlock by taking 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute when Bukenya sent a ball from the back towards Anselme, who cut in and raced past Juanan to sent in a sensational left-footer into the far top corner.

The second goal was scored by Singh in 54th minute after his downward header fooled goalkeeper Arindam and bounced into the net past Jhingan.

The third goal once again came from the foot of Singh who converted the ball from close range after Chris Payne, who could have gone for a goal himself, chested a brilliant pass into his path in 59th minute.

The first half belonged to East Bengal as they had been wily, exposing the weaknesses in the hosts' defence whenever opportunities came their way.

Bengaluru were playing well from the back, but were woeful in their attacking game.

The defending Champions, who needed a much-needed win to bounce back into the reckoning this season, put up a very disappointing performance before the home crowd.

A win would have placed the team fourth in the pointstable. On the contrary, East Bengal maintained their number one position after putting up a killer show against Bengaluru.

In fourth minute, Bengaluru had their first chance after Lenny won the ball in midfield and played it to Udanta, whose cross was spilled by Rehenesh but before Vineeth could capitalise, Bukenya hacked it clear.

In 18th minute, Udanta sketched a lovely run after he skillfully flicked the ball over his marker and got a clear run down the right wing but Bukenya marshaled him well.