It was a dream moment for MSSC when they beat a young and fast Bombay FC in their second play off match held on 4th April at the St. Xaviers Ground, Parel. We would call it a dream moment as MSSC qualfied for the Semi Finals in Division One of the Mumbai Football League for the first time after spending almost three years in this Division. MSSC defeated Bombay FC by a score of 3-1 courtesy a brace by Ravish D and one more goal by Akshay D.
MSSC came all guns blazing for this match knowing that Bombay FC needed only to hold them to a draw to move ahead in the tournament. MSSC having drawn the earlier match with Chheda Nagar Prodigies had to win this one. Right from the start, MSSC put immense pressure on the opponents by closing them down on every occasion. They behaved so adamant that the Bombay FC players did not have a lot of time on the ball. After a lot of pressure, Bombay FC crumbled as their goalkeeper rushed out only to make a rash tackle on Ravish D while the referee pointed to the spot. Akshay D confidently came to take the penalty kick and also converted well to put MSSC in the drivers seat in less that 20 minutes. The pressure mounted on Bombay FC as MSSC did not stop closing them down. After a few minutes, Akshay D provided a wonderful assist to Ravish D who took advantage of a stumbling defender and went one on one with the keeper. Ravish smartly placed the ball at the far post to make it two. Bombay FC now were aware of the strategy used against them and so moved out of their comfort zone to attack as well. They earned a corner on one occasion and made the best out of it as one of their defenders caught the MSSC defense napping to head one past the MSSC Keeper. At the end of the first half, MSSC managed to win a throw-in which was deflected by Akshay D, trapped, turned & placed by Ravish D with some fortunate deflection from the Bombay FC defender giving MSSC a 2 goal lead. The score read 3-1 in favor of MSSC at the end of the first half.
The second half was no different as MSSC stuck to their gameplan. MSSC were on their toes to get another goal to allow some breathing space. Defensively MSSC did not give in as they unleashed some hard tackles and cleared the ball of their half as and when they could. MSSC then only knew they had to defend through the remaining regulation time. On the final whistle, each and every player was ecstatic as they qualified for the Semi-Final for the first time in three years.
Mumbai Strikers SC are now strong contenders for the First Division title and will take one step at a time to achieve this long pending glory.