Mahindra United to shut shop after taking on JCT

Mumbai: Curtains would be drawn on one of the premier football clubs in the country as Mumbai`s Mahindra

United take on JCT in the I-League encounter here on Wednesday after which the team is winding up their show. The decision of the club`s management last month to shut shop and focus on grassroot level football came as a big shock to the fans and tomorrow they have the last chance to see their favourite team in action. Lying fourth after the penultimate round of the 2009-10 season, Mahindra would love to go out on a resounding note, said team manger Henry Menezes. "That`s what we always try to do, win," said the former India goalkeeper ahead of the tie. A victory would enable Mahindra to clinch at least the fourth spot at the end of their stint as Mohun Bagan, who are two points behind them with 36 to their credit, would then be unable to overhaul them in the final rankings. A win would also give them a good chance of finishing higher if Mumbai FC lose their concluding clash against champions Dempo in a match that would be held at the same time in Goa. Performing extremely well in the first phase and early part of the second while remaining in contention for the honours, Mahindra faltered at a critical stage of the league. Coach David Booth was surprised by the sudden dip in form of his team and critical of the players` display of late. PTI