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Balwant propels Mumbai City to victory

By Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 20: Mumbai City FC rode on Balwant Singh�s brace to carry home three points from their Indian Super League match against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai here today.

Despite having some clear cut chances in the first half, the inability to find the finishing touch again proved crucial for the Highlanders. Although the visitors didn�t have much of chances coming their way in the first half, Balwant ensured the perfect result for them in the 34th minute and increased the lead in the 68th minute.

The hosts nearly took the lead in the fourth minute when Marcinho making his way through the opposition defence line proceeded into the box, however his strike hit the woodwork.

Local lad Holicharan Narzary making his way through the left flank provided the perfect setting for Seiminlen Doungel who was left unmarked inside the box, but the latter�s attempt went way above the target.

Mumbai City surged ahead through Balwant who took full advantage of the onrushing NEUFC custodian Ravi Kumar. Balwant spotted the keeper off his line and made a nutmeg to open the scoring. Achille Emana provided the assist with a lovely through ball.

Desperately in search of an equaliser, Marcinho with a free-kick did well to keep it on target. However, his strike could only manage to find the safe hands of Mumbai glovesman Amrinder Singh in the 43rd minute.

Switching sides, NorthEast United upped the ante initially but looked completely off colour and lacked coordination after conceding the second.

Emana did well to cut in and make room for a shot in the 62nd minute but Ravi Kumar this time did really well to quickly get low and make a save with his right hand.

To make things worse for the home side, Emana provided Balwant again with just a mere formality to tap the ball into an open net in the 68th minute. Having made his way into the box and only an onrushing Kumar on his way, the Cameroonian decided to lay the ball for Balwant who just had an open net in front of him.

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