[1]East Bengal struggled hard to break down a resilient newcomer United Sikkim FC before registering a 1-0 victory with a freakish goal seven minutes before the final whistle in I-League football at the Paljor Stadium here Thursday.
A fierce free kick from second half substitute Lalrindika Ralte in the 83rd minute ricocheted off a United Sikkim defender and flew past goalkeeper Yoon Tae for the only goal in a game of overwhelming dominance for East Bengal.
Hampered by niggling injuries to its key players, United Sikkim could not repeat its counter-attacking performance like it did against Salgaocar in the first match and was bogged down in its own half against Trevor Morgan's boys.
Clearly playing for a draw, the home side was contended in beefing up its defence, rarely got a glimpse of its opponent goal but also blocked the goal view for East Bengal.
The defensive tactics frustrated East Bengal players till the solitary goal, with a huge slice of luck, came along its way.
The win ensured that the Kolkata club maintains its 23 matches unbeaten run and the first full three points in I-League.
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