Mumbai: As the first phase of the I-League came to a close on Monday, Mumbai's three clubs - Mahindra United, Air India and Mumbai FC have contrasting stories to tell.
The 2008 I-League saw three Mumbai clubs in the top flight. And it has been a roller-coaster ride for all the teams so far.
From Mahindra United's miserable form to Mumbai FCs fairytale start which was snapped back to reality and Air India slowly and steadily gaining momentum, the Mumbai clubs finished the first phase on some orgasmic highs and some awful lows.
City favourites Mahindra United find themselves just above the relegation zone in 10th place, above Mohammedan Sporting on goal difference. A position that coach Derrick Pereira must wonder why his team is in. The reason is quite simple - they haven't taken their chances.
Having scored seven and conceded 10,their position is more than justified. Sushil Kumar Singh has scored four of the seven while ace striker Chidi Edeh has managed only one. The Jeep men would hope to forget what has happened and welcome the Federation Cup break that begins on December 4 in Kolkata.
As for their rivals Mumbai FC, it was a reverie start. The promoted side conquered three top clubs - East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mahindra United. But, as the odds would have it, there was a hint of falter as they lost their next two games to league leaders Sporting Clube de Goa and Air India.
The debutantes then went on to play out four draws before ending the drought with a 3-2 win over JCT that sees them lying sixth on the table. Coach David Booth is not one to cry over spilt milk and has taken the proceedings in his stride. "It hasn't been bad considering we have lost just two games. All teams, barring Sporting, have had ups and lows. It has been a decent season so far," Booth remarked.
Air India's Bimal Ghosh is known to be an astute tactician and this has panned out in his teams favour. The Airmen adapted to counter their opponents style of play and though it was nowhere close to pretty, it was effective. Long ball tactics, dead ball situations and Uttam Singh's long throw has been instrumental in seeing them lie fourth in the table, above their other two city opponents.
"We were looking to win all our home games and at least pick up a point away. It does not necessarily go that way but that's okay. We have to work on converting our chances," said Ghosh.
