Abel Hammond struck a brace as a spirited East Bengal registered their biggest victory of this season, drubbing Lajong FC 3-0 in an ONGC I-league football match at Vidyasagar stadium in Barasat on Thursday.
East Bengal with his win have taken their points tally to 12 from eight matches while Lajong remained at eight from as many matches.
The red and yellow brigade took a little time to settle down and opened the account through Ghanaian striker Abel Hammond in the 35th minute.
The hosts increased their lead towards the end first through Hammond again and then through Nigerian forward Yakubu.
De Ridder fielded Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia but it appeared that the striker did not look comfortable on the field and only a few minutes after the kick off he was seen limping.
He was ultimately taken off the field but not before showing his class as he combined with Yakubu to create some beautiful moves that left the Lajong defence fumbling.
East Bengal dominated the proceedings and forced attacks at regular intervals right from the start but for erratic passes had to wait till the 35th minute to find the target.
The Mehgalaya outfit's defence comprising Passah, Ralte and Gatpoh initially managed to thwart the East Bengal attacks.
Lajong also made quite a few raids but poor marking stood in their way with James, Tuboi and Daniel Bidemi missing the target on several occasions.
East Bengal finally moved ahead in the 35th minute through Hammond. Inspired with the goal, East Bengal kept up the pressure but failed to score till 89th minute because of a stubborn defence by Lajong players.
The red and yellow brigade, however, increased their tally in the 89th minute when Hammond moved all on his own before shooting in (2-0).
The third goal came during the second minute of the injury time following a combined move. Yakubu snatched a ball from a rival defender and placed it neatly.