Mumbai FC stop losing streak, shock Churchill 2-1

Pune: A struggling Mumbai FC pulled off a major surprise and upset the title aspirations of Churchill Brothers by surging to a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Goans in their 19th round I-League clash at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

This was Mumbai outfit`s first win in the New Year after six straight losses that began on January 4 against Chirag United Kerala. The victory would also help them stay away from drop zone for the present as they went six points clear of Chirag United, who are 12th. Mumbai now have 17 points from 19 matches, while Chirag is on 11 from 18 with their one game against Pailan Arrows to be played on a later date. The surprise defeat against a side languishing in the lower part of the table left Manuel Gomes-coached Churchill remain on 33 points and in fifth position, a rung below another Goan outfit Salgaocar Sports Club and seven adrift of Dempo SC, who have played one game more. Churchill looked on course to take full points which would have given them a slot in second place behind fellow Goans and table leaders Dempo when N D Opara put them ahead in the 20th minute of play. But Mumbai FC had other ideas as they first equalised with nine minutes left for the half time whistle through Cavin Lobo before getting the match-winner in the 83rd minute when Dhanachandra Singh found the mark with a header. PTI