North 24 Parganas started their campaign IN THE inaugural Bengal Super League (BSL), trouncing Copa Tigers Birbhum 4-0 at Naihati Stadium on Monday. Tanmoy Ghosh, Mrimoy Mahapatra, and Kuntal Pakhihara. Coach of North 24 Parganas Gautam Ghosh said in his post-match media briefings, “The boys did not get much time for preparation. Additionally, several players who played today were newcomers. So, considering the perspective, I am satisfied with their performance.”
When asked whether BSL would contribute to the development of football in Bengal, Ghosh, the head of IFA’s youth development program, added, “Time will reply to the question ultimately. But I can say, the players are getting more game-time with the introduction of this League, which is expected to help them.”
In another match, Sundarban Bengal Auto FC earned full points in their opening match of the League, edging past Burdwan Blasters by 2-1 at Bolpur Stadium on Monday. Richmond and Aqueeb struck for the winners. Sundarban Bengal Auto FC Chief coach Mehtab Hussain lamented the poor ground conditions at the venue. “The ground was hard, had an uneven bounce. It was difficult for the boys to exhibit ‘good football’. Still, I am happy with three points,” said Mehtab.
Significantly, BSL has introduced six-referee posting for a match where two referees are posted beside the two goalposts. Their job will be to detect ‘penalty-area’ movements and any dispute in the penalty area.
