Kolkata U-18 derby ended 1-1. A crowd of 3-4K attended it. A very physical game, MB goalkeeper was subbed with a head injury. There was a pitched battle between supporters outside EB ground after the match with police resorting to lathi charge and Ultras damaging neighbouring MB club tent. Overall, even in this IMG-R age and though at an U-18, the emotions raised by the debry matches none. It was great to be back at the EB ground. Senior team coach Bishwajit Bhattacharya, manager Swapan Bal, assistant Coach Sanjay Manjhi and technical manager Alvito was in the gallery.
On the positive side, lots of families came with young kids to watch the game. Kolkata Goals supported by British Council was there along with kids from East Bengal Football School of Excellence.
I was hoping MFC and PFC would develop some rivalry at some level like Kolkatta but sadly one is almost closed while always wanted to survive never tried to challenge for top honours
@shankar The rivalry here is ethnic and religious (Mohammedan Sporting). A bit difficult to replicate else where. But a nice rivalry is building up between BFC and the Big 2 from Kolkata.
MB vs BFC is getting heated up in recent times partially due to the loss of the title. Alongwith BFC vs EB is another good contest due to EB's superb performance.
This is also due to the fact a lot of Bengali's are there in Bangalore and they support their team whenever they play in Bangalore.
Interestingly, I saw lot of EB people supporting MB during MB vs BFC final match. Somehow it was like Bengali vs Bangaloreans/Kanadiga at that time.
I see BFC supporters more like Bangalore City Cosmopolitan population rather then Local Kannadiga people who are more into Cricket. BFC should involve more with local footballers at Junior level and they need more local players in their main team.
the above is PIFA hme stadium , though they dnt own it. Having decent 4-5 k seating facility. Could easily be used for ileague debutants DSK , but distance wud be a problem though
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