Pune FC went down fighting 0-2 to Royal Wahingdoh FC in an I-League football tournament's Round-13 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.
A brace from striker Jackichand Singh (38th and 68th minute) handed Pune FC their second loss of the season.
The defeat also meant Pune FC dropped down to the fourth place in the table with 16 points in ten games behind Royal Wahingdoh (17 pts) who moved up to third with the win.
The hosts took the lead after some good work by Jackichand. Winger Lalmangaihsanga cut in a low ball from the left to Jackichand, who with his first touch beat the defence and fired a low left-footer at the far post.
Pune FC had a couple of half chances but couldn't make them count and went into the breather trailing 0-1.
After the break Pune applied pressure but failed to score and the hosts doubled their advantage in the 68th minute.
Jackichand capitalised on a defensive lapse to slide the ball past an advancing goalkeeper to complete his brace.