Mumbai City FC downed SC East Bengal by a solitary goal to consolidate their position atop the standings with a five-point lead in the Indian Super League here on Friday. Mourtada Fall found the net for Mumbai City in the first half and that separated the opponents till the end.

Mumbai City, which moved to 29 points after the win, was more purposeful in its attacking plan and that gave it the lead justifiably midway through the first half. SC East Bengal started defensively, fully aware of the attacking might of its opponent.

The Senegalese center-back was left unmarked inside the box as he utilized Hugo Boumous” cross to perfection with his soaring header to give Mumbai the all-important goal.

The Robbie Fowler-coached side put up a better display in the second half and ended up having a 60 percent share of possession and a better passing accuracy but they were simply unable to find that cutting edge to convert their share of chances.

Nigerian Bright Enobakhare”s deft touch in the 74th minute set up Anthony Pilkington inside the box but the Irishman”s shot was wayward and sailed over the crossbar.

For Mumbai, they stretched their unbeaten run to 11 matches as they now have 29 points from 12 matches. They now have led over ATK Mohun Bagan atop the 11-team standings as it also ended a seven-match unbeaten streak of SC East Bengal who slumped to 10th place with 12 points from 13 matches.