Mumbai Strikers SC won their third consecutive match in the Mumbai Football League campaign with a comprehensive score of 5-1 against ESIC. The match was held at the St. Xavier’s Grounds at Parel on November 14th. Both the teams were in for a tough draw as the climate was extremely hot and humid due to showers experienced by the city early that morning.

Within the first few minutes of the match, Mumbai Strikers SC were gifted a penalty shot as striker Ravish D was brought down by one of the ESIC defenders in the area. Ravish D was calm enough to convert the penalty and give MSSC the lead. ESIC were more alert now and brought on many attacking chances which tested MSSC’s defensive line. Nevertheless, MSSC had another free kick in their favor in a very dangerous position. Pranav stepped up to take this one and floated the ball well into the penalty area where Akshay Devadiga just nudged a header to see it over the ESIC goal line. ESIC’s attack grew even more and they were close to scoring courtesy a miscommunication between the MSSC defender and goalkeeper; but they survived the scare. In the meanwhile, MSSCs lead went up to 3 goals as Ravish D scored another in the 27th minute. With a comfortable lead, MSSC and ESIC exchanged crucial attacking chances. ESIC were awarded a penalty when their striker was obstructed by Arnold M in the penalty area. The striker made no mistake in converting the penalty and the score ended at 3-1 in the first half.

In the second half, both teams exchanged blows and kept their defensive line on their toes. The necessary substitutions were made by MSSC in order to power up the attack. Vernon S came in for Pranav M and Akshay S was replaced by Amit S. With fresh legs on the pitch, MSSC scored another goal via Ravish D who had an open chance and slotted the ball beating the keeper comfortably. ESIC won a free kick in a rather worrisome spot and an exquisite try by one of their players ended up in disappointment as the ball banged the upright and went off play. MSSC kept up the attack and eventually Vernon S scored the last goal of the match but his first for MSSC and increased the tally of the team to 5 goals. The match ended 5-1 and MSSC walked away comfortably with 3 points. They now have 9 points from 3 matches and are in serious contention for a play-off spot.