Vasco Sports Club, Goa, fought back in the second-half to hold former champions East Bengal to a 1-1 draw in an exciting Oil PSU-seventh National Football League match at the Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Thursday.

After local boy Alvito D'Cunha gave East Bengal the lead in the 33rd minute, Vasco fought back in the second-half to
restore parity through Marcos Pereira, who capped a return pass from substitute Santa Singh to beat keeper Sandip Nandy to his left.

After Churchill Brothers held East Bengal to a draw in their own backyard, Vasco is the second Goan team to hold the former champions, who are still unbeaten with 17 points from seven matches.

Vasco took their tally to 12 points from as many matches to remain third behind Dempo (13).

Both teams played an attacking game from the start and East Bengal, who enjoyed an edge over their opponents, took the lead after wasting three scoring chances.

The goal was a brilliant move between Alvito and Mike Okor. Alvito, who was earlier thwarted by keeper Ramos, made no mistake as he slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper into an empty net.

Vasco also had their shares of exchanges and scoring opportunities. Marcus, who was marked tightly by the rival
defence, had a chance in the first-half but his shot missed the target narrowly.