Star striker Baichung Bhutia netted a brace as formidable East Bengal maintained their winning run, prevailing over Mohammedan Sporting 3-0 in a Kolkata Super Division league match in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Alvito D'Cunha scored the third goal for the winners, who now have 12 points from four matches.

East Bengal seized the initiative from the early minutes but had to wait till the 42nd minute for the first goal.

Bhutia drew first blood with a deft right foot placement by latching on to a Malsawmtluanga centre from the right to make the scoreline 1-0 at half-time.

The Sikkimese, who has been among the goals in the league so far, scored again in the 71st minute by heading home a Malsawmtluanga centre from the right.

Six minutes later, Malsawmtluanga, who had a good day, again did the spadework and fed Bijen Singh, who released the ball to D'Cunha. The Goan midfielder scored from close to complete the rout.