Down by two goals at half-time, East Bengal rallied to draw 3-3 with Indian Bank in a National Football League match in Chennai on Monday.
Despite a hat-trick by their Sri Lankan player Kasun Nadika Jeyasuriya, the bankmen just couldn't manage to put it across the famed Kolkata outfit.
Considering the fact that the bankmen had lost three successive matches, East Bengal were expected to score an easy win. But against the run of play, they found themselves down 0-2 in quick time with Jeyasuriya scoring in the 21st and 22nd minutes.
East Bengal's Brazilian striker Gilmarl pulled one back for the visitors in the 51st, before Jeyasuriya completed his tally of three goals in the 53rd minute.
As East Bengal's forwards led by Gilmar started getting into their rhythm, the Indian Bank defence started showing cracks, and utilising the opportunities, Chandan Pal and Venkatesh scored in the 58th and 59th minutes respectively.
Though East Bengal pressed hard, the bankmen held on for a draw.
East Bengal now have 18 points from eight matches and lead the 12-team table while Indian Bank, who entered the league after three years due to relegation, have eight points.
