FC Kochin took the lead with a fifth minute goal through striker Mohammed Najeeb. East Bengal brought about parity through Raman Vijayan in the 37th minute and Bhaichung Bhutia fired in the second goal (40th minute) and third goals (60th minute).

With this win, East Bengal maintains their lead in Group `B' with 14 points from six games while the Kochi side have 10 points from six matches.

IB seek revenge

CHENNAI: Indian Bank's campaign to the third edition of the National Football League began on a wrong note, new entrants Indian Telephone Industries shocking them with a solitary goal win.

They have a chance to settle scores when they take on ITI at the Nehru Stadium on Monday. With two wins from five matches, IB are better placed than their opponents, whohave just a draw besides that solitary win from the same number of matches.

To their credit, IB have put the dismal start behind them. The wins against Mahindras and Salgaocar could not have come at a better time.