Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) moved up to the third spot on the table after outwitting Oriental 3-1 in the Super Division football league at the Bangalore Football stadium here on Friday.

After starting the season with a hat-trick of wins, BEL were pegged back by a goalless draw against Sports Authority of India and a defeat to Madras Engineering Group in the last match. But they proved to be a determined side against Oriental, even after going down in the 22nd minute against the run of play.

That goal was set up brilliantly by Murali with a measured aerial pass and Venu’s deft lob sailed over a charging BEL goalkeeper Suresh H S.

 Despite the setback, BEL stayed positive while pocketing the lion’s share of possession and hoisting attacks consistently. Stephen could not make use of a couple of good chances upfront but the imminent equaliser came at the stroke of half-time. Aravind received a pass from the hard-working Musharref and infiltrated the right of Oriental penalty box. He deceived goalkeeper Elavarasan with a flashy turn and shot from a narrow angle between right-hand post and Elavarasan’s hands.

BEL stepped up the pace in the second session but Stephen frittered away two sitters in the opening minutes and committed a few off-side blemishes as well. A Jayavandan drive hit the crosspiece in the 65th minute, much to the relief of under-fire Oriental defence.

However, two minutes later, Stephen made amends for his earlier lapses with a 20-yard right-footer, which ended up in the left corner of the goal. The tall customer also netted the third in the 80th minute while chesting in a well-directed Avinash cross from the left.

Other result: ‘A’ Division: AGORC: 3 (Kewel 28th, 40th, 78th) drew RBI: 3 (Willfy 5th, Roshan 60th, Santosh 70th).
Saturday’s matches: ‘A’ Division: Dharmaraja Union vs HMT, 1.45 pm; Super Division: KSP vs ASC, 3.45 pm.