Kolkata, December 22: Sundarban Auto Bengal FC continued their impressive run in the Bengal Super League with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Howrah Hooghly Warriors, collecting nine points from three matches. Despite the perfect start, Mehtab Hossen’s side sits second on the table, with JRR Royal City FC topping the standings on goal difference. The defeat also marked Ramirez Barreto’s Howrah Hooghly Warriors’ first loss of the campaign.
The match began with Howrah Hooghly Warriors showing intent, and their early pressure paid off in the 21st minute. SK Jiyabul opened the scoring after a swift attacking move, Suman Roy released Dipesh Murmu down the right side of the box. Dipesh used his pace to beat his marker before cutting back a low pass, which young lad Jiyabul calmly finished to give the Warriors a 1–0 lead.
Sundarban Auto Bengal FC responded positively and found their equaliser just six minutes later. In the 27th minute, a handball by Suman Roy inside the box handed Sundarban Auto Bengal FC a penalty. Aqib Nawab stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, restoring the score at 1–1.
Momentum swung firmly in Sundarban Auto Bengal FC’s favour as they went ahead in the 38th minute. Richmond showcased his composure, finding space between two defenders before unleashing a precise ground shot on target to give Sundarban a 2–1 lead, which they carried into the break.
The second half saw Howrah Hooghly Warriors push hard for an equaliser, reflected in the 56% ball possession, compared to Sundarban Auto Bengal FC’s 44%. The Warriors enjoyed more of the ball and built sustained pressure, particularly from wide areas.
Statistically, Howrah created 9 attempts, with 6 shots on target, testing Sundarban’s defensive organisation and goalkeeper repeatedly. Sundarban Auto Bengal FC, however, were more conservative after the break, managing 5 attempts and 3 shots on target, focusing on protecting their narrow lead rather than chasing a third goal. Set-pieces played a crucial role in the latter stages. Howrah earned 12 corners, despite the volume of chances, the Warriors struggled to find the finishing touch.
Drama unfolded in the dying moments. In the 90+6th minute, Howrah won a final corner and came agonisingly close to an equaliser. However, Florent produced a heroic goal-line clearance, denying the Warriors at the very last moment and sealing all three points for Sundarban Auto Bengal FC.
With this win, Sundarban Auto Bengal FC moved to nine points from three matches, maintaining their unbeaten momentum but remaining second due to goal difference, as JRR Royal City FC stayed on top. For Howrah Hooghly Warriors, it was a spirited performance, but their first defeat of the season came in their third match, with a long league campaign still ahead.
Bengal Super League: Howrah Hooghly Warriors vs Sundarban Auto Bengal FC highlights
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