The Dervishes, who beat Reunion Island's Tamponnaise 3-2 on aggregate to reach the Champions League round of 16 last Saturday, initially called on the Egyptian FA competition committee to postpone their game against Mahalla 'due to exhaustion'.

Their request was eventually rejected but they made light of the fatigue problem to see off Mahalla for their first win in four games.

Central midfielder Amr Al-Sulaya opened the scoring after 26 minutes with a powerful shot that left the keeper with no chance.

Striker Ahmed Ali, Ismaili's top scorer with six goals, wrapped up the win with a near-post header 12 minutes from time.

The win will ease the pressure on beleaguered coach Emad Soliman, who was given a vote of confidence by Ismaili on several occasions after a poor run of results shattered their hopes of competing for the league title.

"We were aware of the rumors surrounding the technical staff's future," Soliman's assistant Mahmoud Gaber said after the game.

"But that win will give us confidence and will ease the worries of our fans."

Ismaili moved back to second after Petrojet, who slipped to third, were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Masri.

The last season's runners-up, who have a game in hand, are now seven points behind second-placed Zamalek.

They must finish second to play in the Champions League for the second successive season.

The battle to avoid relegation, meanwhile, has hotted up.

Arab Contractors, who held leaders Ahli to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, are third from bottom with 26 points, one behind Mahalla and four adrift of Masri.

Basement side Mansoura and second-bottom Asyut Petroleum look destined to go down after one season in the top flight.