Margao:East Bengal returned to their winning ways finishing off the first phase of the NFL at the top of the league table with 24 points after a spirited 2-1 victory over Sporting Clube De Goa in the 11th round of the National Football League played at the Nehru Stadium here today.

After a barren first half, East Bengal took the lead in 55th minute when Climax Lawerence fired home his seventh goal of the tournament off a fine ball from Baichung Bhutia.

Sporting then equalsied through their star striker Dudu Omegbimi in the 61st minute via a penalty. The penalty was awarded by referee Rizwan-ul-Haq after Jeremah brought down Adewusi Adebayo who was dangerously moving with the ball inside the box.

Bhutia, who missed at least four clear chances, was again instrumental behind the second goal when he provided the ball to Jeremiah who slotted the ball in.

Sporting now have 13 points from seven matches.

The match was fought closely with both the teams missing half a dozen chances in the first half itself.

Habibur Rahaman Mondal linked with Climax gave much-needed impetus to Bhutia upfront as they threatened the rival defence time again. They made the first move in the 3rd minute when both Climax And Bhutia failed to connect in a well directed cross by Mondal.

Sporting keeper also came to the resuce of his team when he thwarted two goal bound shots from Alvito and Bhutia. Sporting then made a counter move and nearly took the lead but Dudu shot hit the post.