Kozhikode (Kerala), Dec 31 (IANS): Defending champions Aizawl FC defeated top division newcomers Gokulam Kerala FC 2-0 in an I-League encounter here on Sunday.

An own goal by Gokulam defender Daniel Addo (45th minute) put Aizawl in the lead right at the stroke of half-time.

Andrei Ionescu doubled the lead for the visitors with a fine strike in the 52nd minute.

The defending champions have now jumped two spots to the fifth position on the I-league ladder with 10 points from five matches.

They are right behind Mohun Bagan who also have 10 points. But the Kolkata giants sit a rung above the defending champions due to a superior goal difference.

Gokulam slipped a spot to the ninth position, just above bottom placed Churchill Brothers.

The I-League debutants are on four points from six matches, a tally similar to eighth placed Chennai City FC.

Gokulam however, trail their fellow southerners due to an inferior goal difference.