GUWAHATI: Once trailing at the bottom of the points table, NorthEast United FC moved to the top four of the Hero Indian Super League table with a 2-0 victory over Mumbai City FC in a 11th round clash in Guwahati on Friday.

 

Bruno Arias scored a 41st minute penalty to give his team the lead and then Diomansy Kamara scored a late goal in the 85th minute to grab all three points. The win helped NorthEast United displace FC Pune City (15 points from 11 matches) from the fourth spot with 16 points from 11 matches.

 

Mumbai City, who lost their last match by a record 0-7 margin, are sixth on the table with 12 points from 11 matches. Only Kerala Blasters (11 points) and Chennaiyin FC (10 points) are below them.

 

Both teams came into this game after suffering big losses in their previous clash and made plenty of changes. While NorthEast United coach Cesar Farias made seven changes, Nicolas Anelka introduced four new players.

 

The changes seemed early in the game for Mumbai City who showed composure and some good passing. In the first minute itself there was an opportunity for Saran Singh to open the account but Rehenesh proved equal to the task when Saran fired a volley.

 

NorthEast United were subdued for long spells but the hosts moved ahead in the 40th minute after they won a penalty. The dangerous Kamara controlled a ball on the left and then worked his way inside the danger zone where he collided after contact with Mumbai City defender Rowilson Rodrigues. The referee promptly awarded a penalty which Bruno Arias converted despite Mumbai City goalkeeper Subrata Paul diving in the same direction.

 

Mumbai City did not crumble after conceding the first goal and showed determination for a fight. Nicolas Anelka and Sunil Chhetri tried their best to draw level but lacked the final touch. 

 

Early in the second session, Anelka went close when he played a nice one-two with Chhetri and then despite pressure from NorthEast defenders, controlled the ball well and shot at goal which was saved by Rehenesh.

 

Rehenesh was alert again in the 81st minute when Anelka seemed to have done enough to turn home Sony Norde’s cross from the left but the goalkeeper managed to get a touch to the ball and push it away for safety.

 

NorthEast ensured full points in the 85th minute with a goal from dead ball. Simao Sabrosa took a free kick right into the goalmouth where the Mumbai goalkeeper clashed with his own player, Pavel Cmovs, allowing Kamara a simple tap.

 

NorthEast United next play FC Goa away in Goa on Wednesday while Mumbai City return home to face Kerala Blasters on Thursday.

(REPORT AND PICTURE COURTESY -- HERO ISL).