NorthEast United tasted their first defeat in this season of the Indian Super League as Mumbai City FC were saved by some terrific no-nonsense defending to win 1-0 at the Andheri Sports Complex on Friday.

Mumbai's marquee player, Diego Forlan struck the only goal of the game, from the penalty spot, to give his side the lead. United were also culpable of missing a number of chances, most notably from Japanese attacking midfielder, Katsumi Yusa. Mumbai now have two back-to-back wins in the competition.

United were the pace-setters in the game as Roberto Volpato's goal was tested with a series of shots, but Mumbai survived the onslaught without conceding a goal. United's Romaric got the first shot on target with a sweetly struck volley but Volpato positioned himself well to grab the ball.

Mumbai's Aiborlang Khongjee, out of nowhere, unleashed a shot from 25 yards out. The ball bounced awkwardly in front of Subrata Paul, who just about did enough to parry the ball behind at the far post.

The Highlanders though, never stopped short of creating chances. Emiliano Alfaro got into the game with a cut shot but it was saved but the ball bounced off a Mumbai's defender and went behind.

Mumbai went ahead against the run of play. Reagan Singh brought down Pronay Halder and Mumbai got a penalty. Forlan, who was invisible for large spells in the game, stepped and struck the penalty into the roof of the net, leaving Paul no chance.

Yusa missed another simple chance as Alfaro found him free on the left, inside the box, with a clever pass that eluded two Mumbai defenders. Alfaro also got a chance, with five minutes left on the clock as he ran to the byline, but was caught in two minds whether to play the cut-back or go for goal. Mumbai's resolute defence held on to make it two wins from two.

Brief Scores:

Mumbai City FC 1 (Diego Forlan) beat NorthEast United 0