Bengal won the 12th National under-21 football championship, for the M Dutta Roy trophy, beating Services 2-1 in the final in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday.

The triumph was Bengal's fourth in the prestigious tournament. They also finished runners-up on six occasions.

In a keenly-contested match, which remained goalless till half-time, Bengal attacked right from the beginning but some stout defending by Services prevented them from taking the lead.

Changing ends, Bengal forged ahead midway into the second-half through skipper and striker Asim Biswas.

The Indian international dribbled past a host of defenders, starting his solo run from the centre, and scored with a fine shot.

In the 75th minute, substitute Sanjeeb Mishra, after receiving a fine through pass from Biswas, increased Bengal's lead, beating the rival custodian from a difficult angle.

Vijay Thapa reduced the margin for Services six minutes from time.

Thapa was declared man-of-the-match while Biswas emerged the tournament's top scorer with five goals.