United SC pip East Bengal for maiden Shield triumph

United SC rode on Ranty Martins' second-half strike to pip defending champions East Bengal and break their 14-match unbeaten run for their maiden IFA Shield title here today.
The purple brigade also avenged their last year's loss in the Shield final as Man of the Match Martins' 80th minute goal denied overwhelming favourites East Bengal a record 25th title.
In the repeat of last year's final which East Bengal had won on penalties, the giants looked like a shadow of their former self as they missed opportunities while Chidi's injury proved to be a big blow.
East Bengal had defeated United SC 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out in the last year's final. This was the young Kolkata team's second big win after their 2010 Durand Cup triumph.

In pursuit of their record 25th titles, East Bengal were tentative to start with as they played a watchful game in the first 45 minutes.
Playing without their ace forward Edeh Chidi who was benched because of a hamstring pull, East Bengal clearly struggled to get into the act.

The local giants sported a new look forwardline as 'super sub' Andrew Barisic, who scored the game-changer equaliser in their semifinal win over rivals Mohun Bagan, figured in the XI to lead the attack along side Baljit Singh.
East Bengal had their first good chance in the 21st minute but midfielder Penn Orji shot it over from a long ranger outside the box.

United also matched equally putting pressure on East Bengal who looked fatigued with hectic scheduling -- both at home and abroad.
East Bengal, incidentally, arrived here Thursday after playing the AFC Cup in Vietnam.