Former champions East Bengal catapulted to the top of the National Football League after a 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan at the Yuva Bharti Krirangan stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Saumik Dey scored the all-important goal with header in the 14th minute to earn the Kolkata giants their fourth victory in the league.

Skipper Alvito D'Cunha sent in a long through on the right that was crossed over by Izumi Arata for Soumik to nod home.

Bagan were handicapped by the absence of injured striker Baichung Bhutia, while their key Brazilians Jose Barreto and Fabio Crotez Vidal had to leave the field in early in the opening half after pulling a hamstring and twisting an ankle respectively.

East Bengal have 14 points from seven matches, three more than Dempo, who have played a game less.

Mohun Bagan are placed seventh in the ten-team league with seven points from as many outings.

In another match in Mumbai, JCT and Air India played out a goalless draw.