NorthEast United continue to stun their naysayers, getting their third win in four games to reclaim their place at the top of the table.

This encounter in Pune would throw them a bigger challenge after they were a man lighter during a crucial phase in the game but the Highlanders passed the test with flying colours to defeat FC Pune City 1-0 through an Emiliano Afano goal.

The game started slowly with neither side showing any urgency or adventure but there were a slew of long-range shots at both ends. None of them, though, tested the keepers.

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Disaster struck for United with 10 minutes left on the clock for the half-time whistle. Nirmal Chhetri given a straight red for a making a clumsy sliding tackle on Pune striker Anibal Zurdo.

Despite being a man down, United regrouped remarkably and even looked better on the ball. Alfaro and Nicolas Velez were creating plenty of problems to the Pune defence while Romaric was an influential presence with his passing range.

When FC Pune City's Eduardo Ferreira was handed a second yellow 20 minutes from time, the game was reduced to a 10 versus 10 battle.

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NorthEast deservedly went into the lead with Alfaro getting his third goal of the season, around the 78th minute mark. A deflected shot fell kindly to the United No. 9, who was only two yards in front of goal. Alfaro took a touch before slamming the ball goalwards, taking a touch off Apoula Edel before rolling into the net.

In the 82nd minute, Pune got a great chance to equalise when an unmarked Dramane Traore received a cut-back, but the substitute's shot went well wide. Velez almost doubled NorthEast's lead with five minutes left on the clock but Edel positioned himself well at his near post to stop United from extending their lead. Tackles continued to fly in from both sides, as it did all through the game. NorthEast's defence held on for the away side's first ever victory in Pune.

Brief Scores:

FC Pune City 0 lose to NorthEast United 1 (Emiliano Afano)