Cletus Paul, Mumbai FC Solid In 3-0 Win Over Kenkre FC

by Nixon Rodrigues October 28, 2014

Having been out of the MDFA Elite Division scene for quite a few years now, Mumbai FC, the only team representing Mumbai in the I-Legaue, were back to light up the competition in the Elite Division as they took to the field against Kenkre FC in their opening match on Monday, 27th October 2014.

Mumbai FC being a much more experienced side, made the most of it right from the off, asking questions of the Kenkre defence with Abhishek Ambekar going close in the early minutes of the game.

With Mumbai FC piling on the pressure, it din’t take much long for them to get on the scoreboard, going into the lead in the 15th minute when a cross from left back Allan Dias into the box was cleared by a Kenkre defender towards Manuel D’Souza, who played it to Cletus Paul, the tall & lanky striker having a powerful shot on him did the rest, sending the ball past a hapless Sabeesh under the Kenkre bar.

Cletus Paul seemed to be enjoying himself upfront with the service from Mumbai FC’s quality midfiled, with another effort on goal after a pin point cross by John Coutinho was met by him as he rose highest in the box, only to see his header denied by the post.

Mumbai FC looked in cruise control, dominating the game, keeping a large share of the ball possession and attacking at will, with their Japanese import Taisuke Matsugae and Pradeep Mohanraj pulling the strings from midfield and initiating most of the moves during the game.

In the 39th minute their efforts payed dividends as a good flow of passes in middle lead to a through ball for Cletus Paul, confident from his earlier strike he made no hesitation in putting the ball past the keeper yet again, giving Mumbai FC a 2-0 lead going into the break.

On the other side of halftime Kenkre came all out, knowing a goal could bring them back into the game. The play kept picking up pace with Kenkre trying to lauch some attacks of their own but it was the experience of the Mumbai FC centre back Kali Alaudeen, that proved to be a stumbling block for Kenkre, as he kept breaking up their attacks.

Mumbai FC then weathered the storm and got back into the game, making passes and keeping the ball as the Kenkre players kept going around in circles. The frustration got to them as Yash Mhatre got sent off in the 70th minute by referee Richard Dixon, for use of abusive language.

Another player having a great day on the field was left back Allan Dias, a player who caught the eye with his deadly crosses and creativity down the left flank, all his hard work was rewarded in 83rd minute when John Coutinho whipped in a corner kick which was headed across goal by Justin Stephen, Allan took his chance, sending the ball home and putting the game to bed with an acrobatic finish. Mumbai FC with this sort of performance from their players are looking like a powerful force and solid contenders in the division.