Chennaiyin FC rode on Gregory Nelson's 83rd minute strike to post a 1-0 win over FC Pune City in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.
Also, the CFC defence held firm despite pressure mounted by the Pune team in the dying minutes.
The team had missed crucial points in the last two home games against Kerala Blasters and Delhi Dynamos by conceding goals near the end.
The former ISL champions went to the top of the standings on 20 points with the win, their sixth of the season.
Chennaiyin FC continued their dominance of the Pune outfit, having never lost in their seven previous encounters, winning five and drawing two.
They won the away encounter early in December (1-0).
The winning goal came courtesy a good move by the dynamic Raphael Augusto, who came on as a substitute in the second half.
The introduction of Augusto did the trick for the home side. His immaculate through pass found Nelson on the right. The winger cut his man before firing his shot past the Pune 'keeper.
The second half too saw the two teams create chances but the marksmen were not able to find success and the goalkeepers rose to the challenge.
The first half saw the teams come up with some chances with the visitors seeming to have the better of the exchanges.
Pune City's Adil Khan took down Nelson with a heavy shove from behind with his shoulder, which prompted the referee to point to the spot in the 23rd minute. Rene Mihelic, who stepped up to take it, came up with a shot towards the right side of goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who anticipated it and dived to make a superb save.
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