Riding on a second half goal by Abdul Hakkim, State Bank of Travancore defeated Kolkata's Everready in a final phase Second Division National Football League encounter in Bangalore on Friday.

The victory took the Kerala side a step closer to securing berth to the elite league. They now have nine points from four matches with one encounter to go.

The two top teams from the Second Division get promotion to the elite league.

Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club and Fransa of Goa have six points each from three matches.

Today's match was dominated by the bankmen, who took advantage of defensive lapses of the Kolkata team, which now has five points from four matches.

Hakkim scored after receiving a pass from Mohammed Rafi pass.