Shillong, March 31 (IANS) A solitary strike from midfielder Godwin Franco in the 30th minute of the game, sealed a crucial 1-0 victory for hosts Royal Wahingdoh against East Bengal in an I-League football match here at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.
After the opening few minutes of the match where the home team created more chances and dominated ball possession, it was Franco who got into the act of breaking the deadlock as he scored from a fierce shot which gave goal keeper Abhijit Mondal no chance.
East Bengal had their opportunities too but a lacklustre performance from the strikers let them down on several occasions.
The win allows the home team to climb to the second spot in the league table behind leaders Mohun Bagan with 20 points from 11 matches. Mohun Bagan have 21 points from 9 matches.
East Bengal stayed at the sixth spot with 13 points from 10 matches.