Nigerian striker Ranti Martins sparkled on the pitch for local giants East Bengal as he provided both the first goal and the winning header to sneak past Shillong Lajong 2-1 in an I-League encounter at the Salt Lake stadium here Sunday.
Trinidadian forward Cornell Glen pulled one back for the visitors.
It was Lajong who came close to scoring the first goal, as a free-kick from Boithang Haokip flew inches wide off target in the opening minutes of the game.
The home side took a long time to settle down but finally in the 29th minute, Martins struck his first as a cross from New Zealand midfielder Leo Bertos found the Nigerian in the box, and his looping header over the top of the goalkeeper found the back of the net.
East Bengal was firmly in control and deserved their 1-0 lead going into the break.
After the breather, both sides tried to create goal scoring opportunities. Lajong finally broke through as Brazilian Uilliams Souza cross found its way to Glen on the edge of the area, who chested it and unleashed a sublime bicycle-kick which rattled the net.
Glen came close to adding another with a snapshot from about 30 yards out in the 63rd minute but his effort sailed over the bar.
The 'red and gold' brigade once again surged into the lead 70 minutes into the game as a long throw from Raju Gaikwad was headed home by an unmarked Martins at the far post to make it 2-1.
Lajong could not build up a comeback as the home side dominated the possession and rarely gave away the ball.
East Bengal climb to the third spot with this win, while Lajong suffered their third defeat of the season in four matches.
