Kolkata outfits East Bengal and Prayag United SC opened their accounts on winning note defeating Uttar Pradesh XI and Sambalpur FA 4-1 and 1-0 respectively on the inaugural day of the Phase I of Manchester United Premier Cup Under-15 India round at Keenan Stadium here today.
In the first match, Prayag United had to sweat it out to defend the solitary first half goal against the Sambalpur team, which exhibited brilliant show throughout the proceedings.
Prayag United surged ahead in the 26th minute through captain Basu Mukherjee's goal but the opponents put up a stiff challenge, keeping the winners on their toes during the proceedings.
After leading 1-0, Prayag United as well as Sambalpur team made forays on each half but missed the target on each occasion.
In an another match, East Bengal's striker netted four times against Uttar Pradesh XI in a one-sided match.
East Bengal boys dominated the proceedings throughout the match as the striker Budhwa Bara put them into the lead in the 6th minutes through a brilliant goal.
Uttar Pradesh, however, restored the parity two minutes later when Rajat Pal converted a pass in the 8th minute. The Kolkata outfit put their act together after the score was leveled 1-1 and keep mounting pressure on the rival citadel.
Bara, who was in his element right from the kick-off, retaliated a minute later when he scored the brace.
Leading the table 2-1, East Bengal went aggressive as Bara struck the hat-trick in the 31 minutes and then another goal in the 39th minute to seal the fate.
