Thaindian News

Kolkata, April 3 (IANS) East Bengal escaped the relegation zone riding on a Yousif Yakubu brace to get past JCT Mills, Phagwara, 2-1 in a I-League football match at Barasat near here Friday.
The veteran Ghanaian scored once in each half before Eduardo Da Silva got the reducer for the visitors, who are still not out of the woods as far as demotion is concerned.

The match at the Vidyasagar stadium saw East Bengal take the lead in the 35th minute when Yakubu netted an excellent 25-yard pile driver.

Yakubu doubled the margin in the 65th minute after a one-two with Syed Rahim Nabi, much to the glee of the East Bengal supporters in the gallery. Eduardo pulled one back four minutes later. The Brazilian’s first effort was partially blocked by East Bengal custodian Abhra Mamondal, but the Ghanaian striker made no mistake in putting in the rebound.

After 21 rounds, East Bengal have moved up to the seventh position with 27 points. JCT, having managed 22 points, are at the 10 spot.

Wooden spooners Vasco Sports club, Goa, already stand relegated with only 10 points from 21 games.

It would be a photo finish among Mumbai’s Air India, local outfit Chirag United, JCT and 11th placed Mohammedan Sporting when the second team to be relegated is decided April 9.