Sporting looking to maintain winning momentum against Mumbai

Margao: After breaking the winless streak in their last match against Salgaocar FC, a resurgent Sporting Clube de Goa will be looking to keep the momentum going when they take on Mumbai FC in the Hero I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda here tomorrow.

Sporting Clube de Goa played good football but victories were hard to come and now that they won their first match against Salgaocar from 14 matches, they are aiming to save relegation in their remaining six matches. They have 10 points from 14 matches and are at the bottom of the table.

Brendon Fernandes, who is the only player to train abroad and trial with English Premier League, played inspiring role in his team victory.

He first set up Anthony Wolfe with a long lob to split rival defense who in turn laid a low cross to Odafe Okolie who scored the first goal. He later himself produced the second goal in his team victory and will be leading the attack along with Wolfe and Odafe.

Miguel Garcia and Sandesh Jhingan has been pillar of strength in the defense.

Sporting coach Mathew D'Costa said: "The boys are charged up to take on Mumbai FC and are looking for their second win. Now that we have won, things will settle down and hoping to build on the last performance.

"The whole team played their part in the win. I was extremely pleased with the wing play of youngsters Brandon Fernandes and Alber Gonsalves," remarked Mathew.

With just six fixtures left to play, it's a crucial game for both sides as a resurgent Sporting Goa is currently on 10 points from fourteen matches, while Mumbai is on 14 points from fourteen outings.

When the two sides met earlier in the season at the Cooperage Stadium, the match ended in a goalless draw.

Mumbai midfielders Paresh Shivalkar and the Japanese Taisuke are expected to miss out through injury.