Despite being reduced to 10-men, defending champions Salgaocar Sports Club warded off the challenge from visitors Shillong Lajong, defeating them 2-1 in a round 13 I-League match, in Margao, on Wednesday.
Salgaocar scored through Ryuji Sueoka (15th) and Ishfaq Ahmed (52nd) for the win.
The Goan outfit was reduced to 10 men in the last 10 minutes when Nicolas Colaco picked up his second yellow after bringing down Iyikwobe C Christopher from behind at the top of the box,
The visitors pulled one back through Iyekwoba C Christopher's solo effort in the 39th minute.
The win takes Salgaocar to 19 points, on par with Air India, but above the Mumbai-based side on account of their better goal difference.
Chirag defeat Mumbai FC 2-0
Chirag United struck in either half to thwart Mumbai FC's bid for a hat-trick of wins as the visitors won the Round 13 I-League clash 2-0 in Pune on Wednesday.
David Sunday spoiled the party for the hosts setting up the first goal for Asif K, who scored in the 14th minute and then netted one himself in the 51st minute.
Chirag's Asif was named the Man of the Match.
Mumbai FC have 14 points from 13 matches, while the visitors have 11 points from as many games.
