Mumbai FC finally managed to put an end to their miserable start to 2012 with a stunning 2-1 win over Churchill Brothers in the I-League at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi on Monday.
This win brought some relief for Mumbai as they now are virtually safe from the relegation zone. Churchill’s efforts to narrow their gap with table-toppers Dempo SC remained unfruitful.
On Sunday, Dempo’s 0-1 defeat by Pune FC had provided a good chance for the No 2 team, but sloppy defence and lack of killer instinct spoiled their chances. Opara Ndubuisi put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute. Mumbai’s Cavin Lobo found an equaliser in the 36th and was followed by Dhanachandra Singh, who netted the match-winner in the 85th.
The visitors could have scored their first goal in the 10th minute when Mumbai’s make-shift ’keeper Sanjiban Ghosh fumbled while collecting a long kick from Henry Arnaud Autchouet R. Steven Dias rushed in but collided with the ’keeper resulting in a minor injury.
Ten minutes later, Churchil Brothers found themselves lucky as Ghosh made a terrible blunder which resulted in Churchill’s opener through Opara.
An equaliser for Mumbai came in the 36th minute. Striker Gbeneme Friday brilliantly collected a pass from the right end. Churchill defenders tried to avert the danger but after PC Lalwm Puia’s unsuccessful attempt, it was Lobo’s strong right footer that did the trick for the hosts.
In the second half, Mumbai put Ebi Sukore and C Malaswn Kima in action along with Shahnawaz Wahi. The fresh legs brought expected results and the Mumbai side scored the winner in the 85th minute through Dhanachandra.
Stopwatch: Mumbai FC 2 (Cavin Lobo 36, Dhanachandra Singh 83) bt Churchill Brothers 1 (ND Opara 20), Salgaocar 1 (Edeh Chidi 26) bt Prayag United 0
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