JCT defeated Viva Kerala 2-0 in the eighth round of the ONGC I-League at the Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Saturday to join Dempo Sports Club at the top of the points table.
The team from Punjab drew first blood through captain Sunil Chettri's header in the 24th minute after a Marcos pass before hardworking Baljit Singh Sahni sealed the result in the 68th minute.
The home team made several forays into the JCT citadel in the first 15 minutes of the game, but the sturdy defence thwarted their attempts.
Viva felt the absence of star striker Wisdom Abbey due to an injury and Tutu George following two yellow cards.
Viva Kerala will next take on Air-India in its next home match here on January 10.