East Bengal overcame a spirited challenge from Everready Association to prevail 2-1 in a Kolkata Super Division football league match at the East Bengal ground on Monday.
Brazilian Douglas de Silva and Baichung Bhutia scored for East Bengal while Ghanaian recruit Earnest Jeremiah reduced the margin for Everready.
The red and gold brigade, determined to compensate for their recent debacle in the Federation Cup, went into the lead in the 36th minute when medio Douglas, fed by Malswam Tluanga, fired a 35-yarder that rammed into the net.
Everready, however, restored parity barely a minute later as Jeremiah converted a penalty, awarded after East Bengal defender Subhashis Roychowdhury brought down Eugene Gray inside the box.
With the scoreline 1-1 at the breather, East Bengal stepped up the attack and finally scored the winner in the 69th minute.
Bhutia, who received a measured pass from Douglas on the top of the box, slotted home with a quick left footer giving no chance to the rival defence.
With this win, East Bengal now have 18 points from six outings while Everready have 14 points from nine matches.