Visitors East Bengal overcame their injury woes to hand Air India their second consecutive defeat, by a solitary goal, in the seventh round I-League match at the Cooperage in Mumbai on Saturday.

In the absence of Bhaichung Bhutia, Renedy Singh and Sanju Pradhan due to injuries, Abel Hammond scored the all important goal for the visitors in the 29th minute.

The hosts, however, clearly missed the services of Nigerian striker N D Opara, who had to sit out due to a double booking, as they failed to create enough opportunities despite dominating the second half.

Shilton helps Bagan hold Sporting

Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul's fine saves denied Sporting Clube De Goa their first win as they were held to a 2-2 draw in the seventh round of the I-League at Nehru stadium in Margao on Saturday.

Sporting Clube, who dominated for most part of the match, took the lead in the 23rd minute through Nathaniel Amos. But the goal was cancelled by Branco Vincent Cardozo in the 33rd minute. Marcos Pereira then put Bagan ahead in the 42nd minute but man-of-the-match Joseph Pereira equalised in the 43rd minute.