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 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 and 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, Shivajians defender Justin Stephen who did well to keep the ball out.
In the 10th minute, Shivajians had their say in attack when off a free kick, Dohou Pierre found Haroon Amiri, who looped his header inches over the cross bar.
DSK Shivajians celebrated ten minutes later when striker Pierre combined with Surchandra Singh on the right and muscled his way through the defence before swelling the net with a strike from the edge of the 6-yard box.
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 the 59th minute, captain Subrata brilliantly saved Eric Brown’s solo run down the left wing who had beaten Israil Gurung on his way.
In the 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 the tournament against Bengaluru FC on 10th February at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.
