Mumbai FC see off gutsy Central Bank of India

by Kaushal Shukla November 22, 2015

Mumbai FC ran out 3-0 winners against a stern Central Bank of India side in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) game held at Cooperage on Saturday, 21st November 2015. Mumbai FC who had scored four or more goals in each of their previous games were made to sweat a bit by a resilient Central Bank of India side who continued to impress again this season.

Central Bank of India were set up to contain Mumbai FC for as long as possible, but after a good first ten minutes from the Bankers, Mumbai FC pushed them deeper and deeper into their own box and eventually scored in the 13th minute when the in form Cletus Paul got on the score sheet after tapping home a cross from the right flank.

Mumbai FC stepped up the pressure after going a goal up, but then it was the Siddharth Lawande show who pulled off a series of top saves to deny Mumbai FC. Lawande and his defence were on a mission to keep Mumbai FC at bay and the Bankers rearguard managed to frustrate Mumbai FC as the men in yellow lost thier early game vigour.

Central Bank of India managed to stay in the game at half time trailing by just one goal and made Mumbai FC think, probably for the first time this campaign.

However Mumbai FC showed their class and quickly came out of the blocks in the second half as Mumbai FC’s Japanese midfield maestro doubled their tally within the first minute of the restart. The second goal was a real body blow to CBI’s chances and the Bankers shipped in a third goal in the 52nd minute.

CBI seemed to have cleared the danger from the corner, but the loose ball fell to Asif K who absolutely bludgeoned his shot into the back of the net giving the CBI goalkeeper Lawande no chance to keep the thunderbolt of an effort out. Mumbai FC seemed to heading to yet another big score after their superb second half start, but the Bankers showed great character in getting their composure back and thwarting the Mumbai FC attack.

The Bankers remained under the cosh after consistent pressure from Mumbai FC, but they got their defence organized once again. Goalkeeper Lawande was once again called into action quite a few times in the second half, but the goalkeeper didn’t disappoint and kept out whatever was thrown at him.

There was no letting the foot off the gas from Mumbai FC as Head Coach Khalid Jamil threw on his fringe players, who looked like having a point to prove in the game. Rohit Mirza was a constant threat down Mumbai FC’s right flank, but the chances just about evaded the winger on few occasions in the game.

In the end, Mumbai FC had to be content with a 3-0 win as they moved joint second in the table, level on points with Indian Navy and just a point behind leaders Air India. But Mumbai FC has played two games more than Navy who still boast a hundred per cent record in the league.