The former Punjab stalwart guiding the millmen lamented an unimpressive performance fraught with errors by his side. However, it did not stop him welcoming JCT's first win in the competition, after a draw and loss, with understandable pleasure.

Not so Bimal Ghosh, guiding Air-India. Ghosh was left mourning a third successive loss as the airmen's flight in the third NFL sputters and reaches alarming levels. A downcast Ghosh castigated the refereeing while waving goodbye to a place among the top three from Group A and a place in the Super League -- the next stage of the contest.

For all that, Air-India made a flying start today and caught JCT napping with a third-minute goal through striker Khalid Jamil after Abbas Ali Rizvi crossed from the left. The early setback drew ire from Sukhwinder who flayed his side for inept defending.

But as Air-India, missing top stoppers Debadas Sen and Sandeep Kharat to injury, faltered and fumbled, JCT's better co-ordination and commitment to attack bore fruit.

Hardeep Sangha slammed home a penalty in the 39th minute after Khambiton Singh brought down Hardeep Gill and collected a yellow. A fluent left-footer past Sawant who stepped in for Yusuf Ansari attending a court hearing concerning the infamous NFL incidents in Goa two seasons ago.

JCT dealt Air-India another blow within seconds. Jasbir's volley from 20 yards left three defenders standing and an advanced Sawant watching the net bulge. Air-India appeared forlorn and frustrated as half-time loomed.

With little inspiration from star mid-fielder Godfrey Pereira and with Ghosh rapidly ringing the changes to emphasise on attack, a weakened defence buckled in the 69th minute.

Goalkeeper Sawant did well to deflect mid-fielder Ram Pal's booming attempt from the left. But Hardeep Gill, lurking ominously, rifled home to make it 3-1.

The impressive Sangha, playing with an affected hamstring, came off with the issue seemingly safe for JCT but Air-India caused the Punjab side some late consternation.

Baljit Singh held a menacing substitute striker Nitin Shetty with four minutes to go and referee GN Pyne pointed to the spot, then reached for the yellow.

Subir Sinha, playing a central role today, stepped up to produce a cracker with his pet left-foot but the Mumbai side had little time to force the equaliser even though JCT panicked as the seconds ticked away.