Play-by-Play: Alfaro's late goal ensures a win for NEUFC over Pune in physical, card-ridden game

A LATE GOAL from Emiliano Alfaro was enough to seal the deal for NorthEast United against Pune City in a dramatic and controversial match that saw both the teams finish the game with 10 men.

The match started with Pune City seeing more of the ball and making regular runs with marquee Sissoko playing the pivot, while NorthEast United looked to slow down the contest by keeping the ball between them. 

Things turned bad for the visitors when Nirmal Chhetri got a straight red card for a harsh foul on Anibal. But the Highlanders did not back down despite having a man less and in the second half were making repeated attacks, especially with Velez running up the right and trying to find Emiliano Alfaro with a cross. FCPC were trying to press their numerical advantage with quick counters but the NEUFC defenders stood strong, and keeper Subrata made some good saves.

The tide turned away from the Stallions when Eduardo Ferreira picked up his second yellow card for a foul on Romaric. Both teams were now down to 10.

79 minutes in, a Velez build up saw Katsumi find Alfaro right at the goalmouth and this time he did not make any mistake and put the ball past Edel. The goal was enough for the Highlanders, as the home team did not seem to have enough in them to make a comeback.

With this significant win, NEUFC have gone to the top of the ISL points table with 9 points from 4 games. Pune City are still 5th, with only 3 to their name from 3 matches. 

Find out excacly how this match unfolded in our real time, blow-by-blow updates...