Guwahati: NorthEast United FC displayed a much improved performance as a goal in each half ensured them a comfortable 2-0 victory over spiritless Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) football match at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here on Friday.
Spanish midfielder Bruno Herrero opened the scoring in the 41st minute via spot-kick before Senegal striker Diomansy Kamara sealed the winner in the 85th minute to help the home side earn full three points from the crucial tie.
With win, NorthEast climb to fourth spot with 16 points from 11 games, having won five, drawn one and lost five.
Whereas, Mumbai are in a spot of bother after couple of losses recently and find themselves in the sixth spot with 12 points from 11 games, having lost five, and won three and drawn three.
Soon after the start, both sides went on in a defensive mode not to allow the opposition to score.
But with the passage of time, the hosts pressed in the Mumbai box to create a couple of chances but failed to break the deadlock.
But with few minutes to go for the first half the home crowd something to cheer about as the hosts were lucky enough to go ahead though a spot-kick.
Rowilson Rodrigues fouled Kamara in the penalty box and was booked. There was minimal contact but much to the liked of the home crowd the referee awarded it a spot-kick.
Herrero was not someone to miss a golden chance as he netted it perfectly into the bottom right corner to go 1-0 up.
The NorthEast defence was spot on not to allow India national team skipper Sunil Chhetri to sneak through them.
Failing to equalize, Mumbai City brought more troubles for them before the stroke of final whistle as some poor defending from the visitors handed the hosts their second of the match in the 85th minute.
NorthEast next face table-toppers FC Goa in a away match on November 25, while Mumbai host Kerala Blasters FC in their last match at home on November 26.
