Sure, East Bengal were handicapped by a not-so-smooth Bhaichung Bhutia but the Eastern giants put up a brave front against Mahindra United during their 3rd ONGC I-League match at the Cooperage yesterday.

The hosts eventually emerged 3-2 winners, but not before going through some tense moments after a thrilling, 90-minute affair.

Mahindra United, in the process registered their first win and walked away with the three points up for grabs.

United, who had split points with title holders Churchill Brothers in the opener of their I-League campaign, looked confident right from the start. In fact, they should have gone ahead through an acrobatic effort from Mohammad Rafi but Rafi's bicycle kick was met by the pole. Adding salt to injury, East Bengal surged ahead when Alvito D'Cunha scored for them on a counter attack in the 29th minute.

Mahindra United and India star Steven Dias, however, showed why he is such a gem in the country's football set-up. He cheekily played a short corner and on the second attempt, found Muritala Ali, who headed in the equaliser (35th minute). Ali later put Mahindra ahead (42nd minute) after latching on to a NP Pradeep cross.

But Yusif Yakubu drew parity for East Bengal (68th minute) and brought the sizeable East Bengal supporters back into the business of exerting their vocal chords.

But NP Pradeep soon proved to be a party pooper when his 75th minute strike sealed the match in the home team's favour.