Kolkata, Feb 17 (IANS): Two first half headers led to a 1-1 draw in the season's maiden I-League derby between archrivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan before a huge crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium here Tuesday.

Cameroonian striker Pierra Boya gave Bagan the lead in the 24th minute which was nullified seven minutes later as Nigerian forward Ranti Martins headed the ball into the net.

Bagan broke the deadlock as Boya outjumped rival defenders in the box to head home a corner from Yusa. 1-0 up, Bagan sat back waiting to clear away any danger but had a difficult time doing so, as East Bengal stepped on the gas.

Thirty-one minutes into the game the 'red and gold' brigade were rewarded for their attempts. A through ball found its way to Malsawmtluanga, whose first time box in the six-yard box found Martins who headed the ball into the net from the first post.

The result put East Bengal at the third place in the table, a rung above Mohun Bagan.