With three matches to play and 5 points on the board, two weeks ago Mumbai Strikers (MS) were sitting at the bottom of the table and were hot favorites to be relegated as they still had to play experienced Elite Division teams like Maharashtra State Police (MSP), Central Bank of India (CBI) & PIFA Colaba (PIFA). It looked like an impossible feat to accomplish but with victory in the previous match versus MSP, the spirit in the team was at its highest as everyone knew that a win out of the two remaining matches will secure MS its Elite division status for another year.

Mumbai Strikers not only defeated Central Bank of India but also maintained a clean sheet for the second consecutive game. This victory pulls them away from the relegation zone and also guarantees the Strikers a spot in next years Elite Division season.

The Bankers started off well and with some intensity as they are known for tremendous combination play. MS created a few chances at the start but the finishing was not as expected. However, the 44th minute proved to be crucial as MS forward Akshay D clinically slotted one past the CBI keeper. MS midfielder Saurabh Solanki’s brilliant overhead pass beat all lines of defense to find Akshay at the right spot. The break time score read 1-0 in favour of the Strikers.

MS showed resolute defending in the second half as they intercepted many chances of the Bankers equalising. Just when CBI ran out of ideas, MS midfielder Abhishek Bhagat scored another in stoppage time to make it 2-0 after an initial Akash Pawar attempt came off the upright setting up a tap-in for the MS midfielder.

The game was sealed and so was a spot in next years season. It is rare that a newly promoted side remains to see the light of another Elite Division season and MS have achieved it heroically and in superb fashion. With another game in hand against the experienced PIFA, MS will want to record a hattrick of victories to end the season on a high.