Down to ten men in the second-half, defending champions Mahindra United held their nerve to score a convincing 3-1 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa and move to the top of the table in 11th National Football League, at the Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Friday.

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Mahindra, who led 2-0 at half-time, scored through Andrew Pomeyie (17th, 82nd minutes) and Steven Dias (36th).

The lone goal for Sporting Clube De Goa was scored by Dudu Omaghbemi in the 67th minute.

Mahindra, who are three points clear of Dempo, head the table with 26 points from 13 matches, while Sporting Clube de Goa have 14 points from as many matches.

Mahindra United defender Mahesh Gawli was adjudged man of the match.