Bul passed their first major test as Startimes Uganda Premier League leaders after edging Nec 2-1 in a top of the table clash at the Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru on Wednesday evening.

The result allowed Bul to open up a five-point lead over Nec who remain third and level with second placed Villa who play on Thursday.

Ronald Madoi and Swabir Mpasa scored either side of a Marvin Oshaba strike to move the unbeaten Eastern Giants to 19 points from seven games.

Defender Madoi gave Bul a 13-minute lead when he lashed home after Allan Mugalu’s weak clearance fell into his path from a corner.

Nec then pulled level six minutes after the break when a surging Tony Atukunda run allowed him to pass to Oshaba who also made the most of space offered to him by Madoi to fire in a low shot off the post.

Nec who went into the game as one of four unbeaten sides then created the better goal scoring opportunities with Richard Basangwa slicing his short wide after he was released by Innocent Media.

Mugalu then missed a glorious opportunity to make amends for his earlier mistake when he headed wide a Hakim Wandera delivery at the far post.

They would soon be punished for that wastefulness when Mpasa ran onto a Daniel Batholomew headed flick to volley past goalkeeper Juma Mutebi on 67 minutes.

The result continues Bul’s fine start to the season that has seen them drop only two points from the goalless draw against Lugazi.  

After seeing off the first serious title contender, the Alex Isabirye-coached side now faces a tricky run of fixtures to conclude the first round.

Fixtures against Kitara, UPPC, Villa, Vipers and KCCA are expected to give a strong indication how far they can sustain their title charge.