Mumbai escape relegation with massive 4-0 win over Shivajians in season-ending Maha Derby
PUSHED TO THE BRINK of the ditch of relegation, Khalid Jamil's men fought back with a zeal previously unseen in them throughout the season. After beating Shillong Lajong in the previous game, Mumbai FC ended their league campaign with an exhilerating 4-0 triumph over fellow Maharashtra club DSK Shivajians.
As the referee blew the whistle, DSK Shivajians were on the attack running up in search of goals but they could not keep the momentum. Mumbai FC were quick to keep the ball with them as they knew it was a crucial match for them. Yellow Brigade came in huge numbers to support their boys.
Most of the possession was kept by the host team. In the 6th minute a first strong attempt came from the Mumbai but Jayesh Rane's shot kissed the pole and went away from the net. A few harsh legs were thrown about, winning free kicks for both the teams but none of them changed the scorecard.
Then in the 20th minute, the first goal for Mumbai came in by the man in jersey number 7 who did not miss the net this time. The cross by defender Ashutosh Mehta went in search of his close buddy Jayesh Rane who with his goal put his team in the lead.
Just a minute later the score was doubled by the Englishman Eric Brown. A pass from Hitesh Sharma saw Eric score a flying goal in the 21st minute.
From here on Mumbai were in a commanding position. Steven Dias made his presence felt all over the ground, being at the right place in the right time, controlling the flow of the game and passing the ball to his strikers to put it in the net.
The home team displayed great show in the first half but they were not done yet. In the 38th minute, Sushil Kumar too joined the list of goal scorers of the night, making it 3-0. A good ball play by Eric saw Sushil sprint and made the ball meet the net.
Till the end of first half, Mumbai were showing great game of passing of the ball which was a treat to watch. The closest DSK came was when Barraso almost scored but piped it over the pole.
It was a dull start to the second half with DSK finding their first goal and Mumbai on the other hand were looking to finish the match in style. The visitors were trying really hard to score but tonight nothing went right for them. All their shots went all over the goal post but not the net.
The fans of the home side wanted more goals from their team and their wish was granted. Eric who was awarded the hero of the match was trying hard to get his second goal and he finally did. In the 90th minute he sealed the night for Mumbai.
An epic 4-0 win not only ensured Mumbai FC's survival in the league but also propelled them to the 5th place in the league table, which, it turns out, is their highest finish till date. It also set them up for a Federation Cup quarter-final clash against Sporting Clube de Goa.
And DSK Shivajians, who came into this game safe from relegation but striving not to finish at the bottom of the table, ended their debut season in the I-League in the worst way possible. The newest corporate entry in the league, the Shivajians suffered the embarrassment of being thrown out of the upcoming Federation Cup. Aizawl FC, despite getting relegated, will be able to play in the country's premier cup tournament at the expense of the Shivajians, thanks to finishing 8th in the table.
