Calcutta: The slate-black sky threatened all through, but there was no such threat from Pathachakra Club.

And in the end, East Bengal registered a comfortable 3-0 victory in the CFL Premier Division A match on Tuesday.

'One-sided' would be a pretty apt term to describe the game in which East Bengal, playing at their home ground, created innumerable opportunities while Pathachakra, with a Dutch coach and a Croatian striker, never came close to scoring even once.

The goals came from Jobby Justin - a brace - and Laldanmawia Ralte. The goals not only won East Bengal the match, but also would be a huge relief for technical director Subhas Bhowmick and coach Bastab Roy after they had scored just twice in their last couple of matches. The last match, against Calcutta Customs, was a barren draw.

Two factors contributed the most in East Bengal putting up a much improved display on Tuesday: Syrian playmaker Mahmoud Al Amna playing from the start and striker Justin returning to the team after missing the first two games. Al Amna was his usual self, sketching moves and passes in the midfield that helped East Bengal control the game. Justin, on the other hand, was a lively presence in the opposition goalmouth, threatening to score every now and then.

The opening goal came in the 15th minute. Justin was perfectly placed inside the box to head in a cross from the left to make it 1-0. The goal made East Bengal even more adventurous. A couple of minutes later, Justin was again in an advantageous position, but this time his header from close was saved by Pathachakra goalkeeper Arindam Ghosh.

After a few more fruitless attacks, East Bengal added their second in the 42nd minute, courtesy a spot-kick. Justin was again involved. His acrobatic effort inside the box hit the hand of Pathachakra's Monotosh Chakladar and referee Pranjal Banerjee promptly pointed to the spot.

Ralte didn't make a mistake as his grounder foxed the goalkeeper.

While the first half ended 2-0, East Bengal kept up the pressure in the second too. The players looked very confident in whatever they were doing. They even tried an interesting variation with a free-kick, taken from the top of the opposition box.

A host of East Bengal players surrounded the ball and kept discussing among themselves as if there was confusion regarding who would take the shot. But as soon as the referee blew the whistle, the players ran in different directions as Al Amna took the shot coming from behind. The effort narrowly missed target.

The third goal ultimately came in the 75th minute. Ralte ran into the Pathachakra box, shielded the ball from rival defenders and as the goalkeeper advanced from his position to block him, he passed the ball to Justin who was in the open. The young striker from Kerala pushed it into an open net.

Man of the Match Justin, who sports a unique hairstyle, credited the team for the victory. "We can't win every match. But today we played well, so the credit goes to the whole team for ensuring full points," he said.