Uttar Pradesh [ Images ] XI took a 2-1 lead over last year's runners-up Western Railway in the first leg semi-final of the 43rd Bombay Gold Cup Hockey Tournament in Mumbai [ Images ] on Tuesday.

UP XI, who shocked fancied Punjab [ Images ] XI from Lahore [ Images ], Pakistan, on Monday, took a 2-0 lead before the local railway team reduced the margin at the fag end of the match.

The teams were locked goalless at half time.

Left half Sajid Khan [ Images ] put UP ahead in the second minute of the second half with a first-timed reverse hit past Western's goalkeeper Suraj Kanta.

UP made it 2-0 in the 60th minute off a penalty stroke converted by captain Mohammed Kaleem after Sajid was tripped by goalkeeper Kanta who had a poor match.

Western Railway, who muffed nine penalty-corners in the match, reduced the margin through their speedy forward Shivendra Singh, who deflected home from close range a free hit taken from just outside the circle.

The second leg semifinal between the same opponents will be played on May 5 after Wednesday's rest day.