Play-by-Play: historic maiden top division win for Minerva Punjab; Mumbai handed their 5th straight defeat

THOUROUGH DESERVING FIRST VICTORY TO MINERVA as they beat a struggling Mumbai team. After a goalless first half which saw the best chance fall to Amobi being saved, Minerva began the second period well. They kept the ball better and created many chances and were paid for their efforts

Mumbai defence looked shaky from the start. They allowed Minerva wingers to deliver the crosses and get inside their box unmarked. The first goal came in similar fashion. The reckless clearance saw Germandeep shoot and the incoming Bodo had to just tap in from yards out. Thapa added another one taking advantage of the missing co-ordination in Mumbai defence. Mumbai pulled one back brilliantly after Steven Dias' cross receieved a pin-point accurate header from Karan, who got his first start in 7 games. 

Minerva had two great chances after Mumbai scored. The speed of their attack left Mumbai players scrambling and out of position. The home team missed to go a further two goals ahead after ruing those good chances inside the opponents box.