New Delhi: Defending champions United SC ended Pune FC's dream run in the 124th Durand Cup as they won the semi-final 2-0 at the Ambedkar Stadium on Wednesday.

United scored once in each half, first through James Singh in the 29th minute and then Joshimar Da Silva struck in the 81st minute.

The loss was Pune’s second to United in the six encounters they have played in the elite division.

Pune retained the same squad that played in the last game against Air India, thereby removing all doubts about left-wing back Kamaljeet Singh’s injury.

Pune went into an attacking mode from the outset. They forced a corner-kick in the fourth minute but could not manage anything off it.

United, meanwhile, pushed forward through strikers Joshimar and Yusif Yakubu to keep the Pune defence busy.

As the game approached the half-hour mark, Prayag United broke the deadlock. Off a corner kick, James did well to find the back of the net. United went into the breather, leading 1-0.

The city-based team replaced goal-scorer James with Malsawamtluanga after the break.

The move immediately alerted Pune defence as the right-winger ransacked the opponent citadel frequently. Pune defence, led by Maninder Singh, did well to keep out the crosses.

But Pune could not afford to sit back as they were trailing. They introduced Paresh Shivalkar in place of striker Subash, while striker Jeh Williamson came in place of Karma Tsewang in a bid take them through in the last 11 minutes of the game.

But the moves did not yield any result.

However, when United brought in Kayne Vincent for Yakubu, it made a difference.

Joshimar, after receiving the first touch from Vincent, put the ball home to give United a 2-0 lead.

In the three minutes of extra time, Denson Devdas managed to find the net, but the referee gave it a foul.