Mumbai Strikers talisman Ravish Dsouza' early finish secured a narrow victory over Salcette FC at the Neville Dsouza Football Ground on a warm sunday evening.
MS began the game on the front foot and made their early dominance count by opening the scoring in the early minutes of the first half. Great play on the left wing by Abhijit Shetty saw him dribble past his man before delivering a chip through ball over the defence for Ravish Dsouza, who provided a calm volleyed finish past the onrushing Salcette custodian. The Strikers looked lively and some lovely interchanges on the left-flank between Abhijit Shetty and Dilip Manoharan managed to destabilise the Salcette defense on several occasions. MS were unlucky not to score the second of the evening in the dying minutes of the first half as Jay Wadhwa met Dilip’s low cross with a powerful placement, but some spectacular goal line defending by Salcette preserved the one goal deficit. Salcette managed to create some clear cut opportunities in the first-half but its forwards were having a bad day at office as MS preserved the one goal lead going into the second half.
Salcette started off well in the second half as they pressed MS looking for the equaliser. MS were looking complacent at times as Salcette were combining well and holding on to possession. MS Sub Akshay S got an amazing outfoot through ball over the defense setup by Nazeef, but his right foot attempt went straight at the GK. Salcette almost scored as a misspass in the MS third saw Salcette get a one on one with the GK at mercy, but the Salcette striker placed the ball wide of the second post much to MS's relief. MS substitute Arthav S who came in for Raj Shere had a golden opportunity to seal the game when a superb free kick went past the second post begging for a firm touch. Arthav did manage to get a touch but it was a very weak attempt helping the GK to parry it away.
MS saw out the final few minutes well to secure a well-deserved three points. MS face Bombay Gymkhana on 13th April in their final encounter of this season as they look to end the season on a high.