Guwahati: Two goals from Balwant Singh across both the halfs steered Mumbai to their first away win of the Indian Super League season four against NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The win also propelled the ‘Islanders’ back into the top four with 10 points from six matches. Both the goals were assisted by Achille Emana, who has gradually and staditly developed to become the fulcrum of all attacks for coach Alexandre Guimarães’ men. The Cameroonian was the most dangerous men for Mumbai against the ‘Highlanders’ and apart from assisting both the goals could have got his name into the scoresheet as well, if not for goalkeeper Ravi Kumar who made two fine saves off the attacking midfielder.
The NorthEast no. 2 was however guilty of conceding the first goal in the 34th minute. With Balwant running clear on goal after receiving a through ball from Emana, Ravi ran out of line to challenge the Indian but instead found himself knowwhere as Balwant nutmegged him to tap-in the ball into an open net.
NorthEast dominated proceeding for most of their match creating far better chances than their opponent but lacked the firepower infront of goal. Desperate for an equaliser De Deus introduced Danilo in the 39th minute but to no avail, as chances one after another went bagging.
Profligacy in front of goal has been the story of for the ‘Highlanders’ so far into the season and at home against Mumbai was no different. Seiminlen Doungel missed a sitter from close range, while Marcinho hit the upright all inside the first 45 minutes.
The home side kept up the pressure on Mumbai, constantly sending regular crosses into the box that could however find no target. On the contrary, it was the away side who could have gone ahead in the 65th minute, but Balwant missed a clear header. He however made amends three minutes later, firing the ball into an empty net when Emana made an unselfish pass after latching onto a poor pass from Rowlin Borges.
The 0-2 defeat also meant NorthEast have now played three games without scoing a goal, with their last goal coming against Delhi Dynamos whom they beat 2-0, the only time they found the net and three points. Mumbai on the other hand jumped to fourth leaving the ‘Highlanders’ languishing at the ninth position.