Goals from Snehashish Chakraborty and substitute Manish Mathani helped Mohun Bagan beat Viva Kerala 2-0 and collect their first points in the I-League, at the floodlit Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Monday.
After a goalless first 45 minutes, last year's runners-up drew first blood through Chakraborty in the 51st minute.
Having done the good work, Chakraborty was replaced by 22-year-old Mathani and the Dehradun-born midfielder justified his selection, scoring the second goal in the last minute of stoppage time.
Bagan have three points from as many matches, while Kerala are yet to open their account after two matches.
The victory should boost Mohun Bagan's morale ahead of their derby clash against East Bengal on October 25.
Desperate for their first I-League victory, Bagan started off hesitantly. Depleted in the absence of experienced players Jose Ramirez Barreto, N S Manju, N Mohanraj and Deepak Mondal, they dished out a sketchy performance, with Edeh Chidi having a forgetful day.
The Nigerian import and Suraj Mondal failed upfront, missing a number of chances against the inexperienced Kerala outfit.
In the 33rd minute, Chidi shot directly into the hands of Kerala goalkeeper Sharat E C from close.
Bagan had their best chance in the 41st minute, when a James Singh corner found Chidi in a perfect position but the Nigerian's header missed the net.
The local giants scored seven minutes after the break, giving Bagan supporters a chance to celebrate Diwali early with bursting of firecrackers.
Making a return after being red carded in their round one match against Chirag United, India player Surkumar Singh played a role in Bagan's first goal. He made a solitary run into the box and shot straight into the hands of Kerala goalkeeper Sharat EC. The ball however slipped out of Sharat's hands and an advancing Snehashish came in from the left and scored off the rebound.
Six minutes later, Marcos Pereira fired an immaculate free-kick into box. Goalkeeper Sharat fumbled with the collection but held on to the ball on second attempt.
