Former champions JCT, Phagwara, maintained their good showing in the National Football League with a 2-1 victory over Churchill Brothers, Goa, at the Guru Nanak stadium in Ludhiana on Saturday.

The inaugural league champions, in 1996-97, led 1-0 at half-time.

JCT, who had beaten Mahindra United and HAL in their last two matches, forged ahead in the 21st minute when Hardip Saini found the net.

Jo Paul Ancheri increased the lead, scoring from a penalty.

Yakubu Yusif reduced the margin for Churchill in the 76th minute, also scoring from a penalty.

With this victory JCT swelled their points tally to 24 and moved up the league standings.