Mumbai FC continued its winning momentum with its third win on the trot in the MDFA Elite Division 2014-15.

Dena Bank kicked off the game with Mumbai playing North to South. The first half saw a series of chances for Mumbai as they dominated possession. Dena Bank was pegged back and it’s players rarely got a chance to play in the Mumbai half.

Cletus Paul had a lion’s share of opportunities. His early shot in the first minute was easily thwarted by the Dena Bank defense. Cletus was in action again with a precise header which was saved by the Dena Bank keeper.

The ball fell to John Coutinho who crossed it back to Cletus but the resulting header went wide. Mumbai got it’s first free kick to in the tenth minute. John Coutinho curled it in to Rahul Bheke, but he was adjudged offside. Some great play in midfield saw Paresh Shivalkar burst in through the right flank. He crossed it in only for Manuel D’Souza to volley it wide.

The goal came in the 24th minute as Paresh Shivalkar’s cross found Manuel, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Mumbai kept up the pressure and were looking increasingly dangerous on the offensive. A long throw in the box by Rahul Bheke was well received by Manuel at the near post. He flicked it into the center but Mohanraj Pradeep shot it wide. Mumbai continued to dominate with the game being played in the Dena Bank half.

The second half began with a quick corner earned by Mumbai. John took the corner but missed the target and the ball was easily collected by the Dena Bank goal keeper. In the 50′, Taisuke Matsugae dribbled deep into the Dena Bank defense and was fouled just outside the box. Paresh took the free kick but skied it way above the goal. The big substitution came in the 64’ with Josimar D’Silva, who scored a brace in the last game, replacing Kamaljeet.

Josimar brushed off two defenders with ease and played a through ball to John on the left flank but John’s shot wasn’t accurate enough as the opportunity went begging.

Mumbai got a penalty in the 76th minute as a Dena Bank defender handled the ball. Paresh Shivalkar coolly finished with ease as Mumbai opened up a two goal lead.

The last ten minutes saw scrappy football from both sides as the game went into injury time The last chance of the game came to Mumbai in the 92nd minute. John sent a flying ball in from the left flank to Josimar, but Josimar’s fumbled in his shot and was easily collected by the Dena Bank keeper.

Mumbai FC moves back to top of the MDFA Elite Division table with this win and now have nine points from three games. They are now two points clear of second placed Mumbai Customs.