NorthEast United FC breathed new life into their dying Hero Indian Super league campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over FC Pune City here on Tuesday.
NorthEast United had gone six matches without a win, losing four of them. With just two points from their last six matches they were on the verge of exit until Ivory Coast midfielder Romaric scored from a stunning free-kick in the 81st minute. The victory helped NorthEast United accumulate 14 points from 11 matches and move to the sixth spot. With three matches still left to be played coach Nelo Vingada will feel more confident. Pune City on the otherhand have 15 points from 12 matches and will have to win their next two games to be assured of a place in the play-offs. The battle was a cagey affair particularly in the first session when neither team enjoyed clear cut chances.
NorthEast United got the match winner out of nowhere. The hosts won a free-kick just outside the box and Romaric stepped up to take it. He used his left foot to devastating effect as his curling free-kick found the top corner of the net, past a diving Edel Bete.