It’s 3 wins in 3 games for Khalid Jamil’s Northeast United as they handed Mumbai City FC yet another defeat and brought an end to their unbeaten run. Mumbai City were on a unbeaten run of 12 matches ever since their first defeat against Northeast United of the 21st of November and the story was no different when these two sides met at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim.
The City Football Group owned outfit were eyeing a record breaking unbeaten run of 13 games but Khalid Jamil and his Northeast United FC had different plans.
Deshorn Brown put his team at the front with a brace in a matter of just 3 minutes. Mumbai City kept on pushing themselves and did score a consolation goal in Adam le Fondre but that wasn’t enough to stop Northeast United.
Northeast United were on their front foot from the opening whistle itself. In the 6th minute, Luis Machado called Amrinder into action and the Indian shot stopper did block the Portuguese effort but Nim Dorjee’s perfect right footed cross found Deshorn Brown and the Highlanders’ latest import grabbed the opportunity with both hands and put his side in front with a sublime finish.
Northeast United were high on confidence and Deshorn Brown scored his second of the match just 3 minutes after his first goal. Federico Gallego’s corner deflected through Luis Machado’s knee of the far post and found Deshorn Brown and the Jamaican made to mistake to slot it home.
Brown had the opportunity to score his first ever Hero ISL hattrick when Provat Lakra’s low curling ball from the left flank from Deshorn who was in a one on one situation against Amrinder but the Jamaican couldn’t get his finest touch and his shot went wide.
Mumbai City FC expectedly had more possession but they were not able to penetrate through the Highlanders’ defense. Ahmed Jahouh tried a long ranger but it was nothing to worry for Subhashish as it went above the crossbar. Minutes later, Jahouh yet again tried to test Subhasish in the 41st minute and the former Indian International pulled off a fine save, the rebound from Jackichand Singh was well blocked by Northeast United’s organized defense and that was the last piece of action in the first half.
The second half saw the Highlanders come out with the same intentions as Lalengmawia forced Amrinder to make a save with just 30 seconds into the second half. Mumbai City started to dominate possession yet again but lacked any clear cut chances.
Jahouh yet again tested Subhasish in the 69th minute and the 34 year old yet again came out on top. Mumbai City FC made a few attacking changes with Mourtada Fall and Hernan Santana making way for Adam le Fondre and Cy Goddard respectively.
The Islanders looked dangerous after the drinks break as kept knocking at the door. It was Adam le Fondre’s super sub magic as he gave his side a hope to make a comeback in the game in the 85th minute when adjusted himself well and perfectly timed the volley courtesy of an Bartholomew Ogbeche assist.
The League almost scripted a comeback when a cross from the right flank found Mehtab Singh who could have been another super sub but Highlanders’ skipper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury made sure his side do the double over the Islanders and handed his team a W.
Alongside the victory against Mumbai City FC, Khalid Jamil handed Pragyan Sundar Gogoi his first ever Hero ISL appearance as the Assamese lad came off the bench to replace Federico Gallego.
Hero of the Match – Deshorn Brown
The Highlanders’ latest import was on fire against the Islanders. An all-round performance by the target man as he put his side in front with two early first half strikes. He also came at rescue defensively as he recorded two successful tackles, two blocks and an important clearance as well.