Defending champions East Bengal warded off a spirited early challenge from Haywards Sporting, Goa, to prevail 2-0 in an eighth National football League match in Kolkata on Thursday.

Nimble-footed Baichung Bhutia struck against the run of play in the opening session before Christiano Junior scored late in second half as the local giants carved out their second win on the trot to take their points tally to 14 from eight matches.

Haywards are three points behind.

East Bengal, who returned to winning ways with a solitary goal victory over Mahindra United in the previous round, were on the defensive for most of the first 45 minutes at the Salt Lake stadium, as the visitors launched a series of raids but frittered away at least five gilt-edged opportunities.

East Bengal, spearheaded by a brilliant display from the Brazilian striker Junior, put up an improved performance after the breather to establish sway over the proceedings.

The Goans, who paid dearly from inept finishing, were also unlucky in the closing stages as a powerful chip from Francis Andre went out after grazing the bar.

After soaking the initial Haywards pressure, the defending champions went ahead in the 38th minute from a sudden counter move. Mike Okoro addressed a centre from the right for an unmarked Bhutia, who chest trapped and volleyed in. The Haywards defenders were clearly cuaght napping by the out-of-the-blue attack, and defender Louis Aniato, otherwise quite reliable, was not in position.

Minutes before the goal, Haywards came close to scoring, but Aniato's header was narrowly off-target.

Junior, who continued his good showing, spearhaded the East Bengal moves, feeding his colelagues with several incisive passes, which spelt doom before the rival citadel.

Finally, the Brazilian himself got the insurance goal, when he headed into the net a Kulothungon centre in the 73rd minute.

The Brazilian, whose inclusion has infused a new life into the red and gold campaign, has scored five goals in the five matches that he has played for East Bengal.

Junior made two valiant attempts during the second half injury time, but his shots missed the target narrowly on both the occasions.

In the first instance, his rasping left foot grounder went just past the post. But soon after, he let loose another blinder, which crashed against the crossbar.