A loss was probably on the cards, not a rout. But so fine-tuned is the present East Bengal outfit that it wouldn't harm warming up to predictions of similar decimations in future. Browbeaten Air India coach Yusuf Ansari made no bones about the fact that table toppers East Bengal are top contenders for I-League 4 while Englishman Trevor James Morgan was happy as long as his team wins.
East Bengal still lead the I-League table with 18 points from six matches. But if Morgan had his way, he wouldn't even allow the goal that East Bengal conceded - their first in the I-League. "It just takes the edge off the win," said Morgan. East Bengal were down to 10 men - after Robin Singh was booked for the second time - with almost 10 minutes to go for the final whistle but a three-goal cushion ensured they were never harried into defending.