Pune, India –DSK Shivajians logged a historic first-win overcoming city-neighbors Mumbai FC 1-0 in the Hero I-League at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, in Pune on Sunday, 7th February 2016.
Playing their second home game on the trot, the host’s found their hero in medio Douhou Pierre who struck the match-winner in the 20th minute. The three-points earned from the win helped DSK Shivajians swell their tally to 4 points from 5 games. The win also helped DSK Shivajians jump 3 spots up to number 6 position on the league table.
In a game that lived up to its billing of the Maha-Derby, Mumbai FC tried hard to come back after conceding the early first half goal. However, it was the resilience of the Shivajians' defence and the brilliant effort by custodian Subrata Paul that helped the home side walk with their heads held high.
The game began with both teams trying to gain an upper hand. Mumbai FC had the better of exchanges and earned the first corner of the match. However, it was defender Justin Stephen who did well to keep the ball out..
In the 10th minute, Shivajians had their say in attack when off a freekick, Dohou Pierre found –Haroon Amiri, who looped his header inches over the cross bar.
DSK Shivajians celebrated ten minutes later when striker Douhou Pierre combining with Surchandra Singh on the right muscled his way through the defence before swelling the net with a strike from the edge of the 6-yard box.
The host team was in attacking game position today. In 40th minute of match Prakash Thorat after twisting and turning passes the ball to a flying Gurung. Gurung finds Douhou on the edge of the box whose shot is saved by Pawan Kumar.
The second half saw the Mumbai FC attack more. In the 49th minute a cynical challenge from Surchandra on Arata earned the Mumbaikars a free kick in a dangerous area however nothing fruitful came off it.
In 59th minute captain Subrata brilliantly saved Eric Brown’ solo run down the left wing after beating Israil Gurung on his way.
Towards the end Mohammad Rafi created yet another chance for the team with an impressing run after Douhou slid the ball from the centre to find Rafi with acres of space. Sprinting down the right flank and defender Pratik Chaudhary in challenge, Rafi’s try was saved by the diving Chowdhary.
In 76th minute of match Mumbai FC captain Taisuke Matsugae made himself some space for a shot by beating Rohan Adnaik. The ensuing shot brushed Subrata's fingers before hitting the upright.
The Pune-based club will now play their 6th match of tournament against Bengaluru FC on 10th February at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.
