The star-studded Nationals began on the offensive and mounted pressure on their rivals. Soon enough they tasted blood when midfielder Harish Bisht headed in off a Joy Pal Raj flag-kick.

Even as Shahdara missed some sitters with Sameer Jung, Pramod Rawat and Osmon John Ekka to be blamed -- they just had custodian Prasanta Bimal to beat -- Puspender Kundu increased the tally for Nationals in the 40th minute.

On changing ends, there was no let up in Nationals' tactics and Joy Pal Raj once again came into play with a fine through pass which midfielder Deepak Gurung put to account.

Shahdara had their share of luck when they managed to pull one back in the 62nd minute when off a rebound from goalie Bimal, Pramod rawat netted in.

In tomorrrow's matches, Collegians will take on Goans while Shahstri face ND Heroes.