TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: Churchill Bros plan to go all out for a win against Sporting Clube de Goa in an 11^th round encounter of I-league at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday at 5.30 p.m.

Churchill occupy the third spot with 22 points from 11 matches while Sporting are precariously placed quite low with eight points from 11 matches. With the sword of relegation hanging on their heads, Salgaocar will also eye a victory.

The teams underwent grueling practice sessions on the eve of the match. Talking to Herald, Churchill coach Mariano Dias said there was no doubt that Sporting are not faring well and low in confidence, but that doesn’t mean we could take things lightly. “They will be motivated and will come hard on us and use all the fire-power to defeat us.” There are no injuries worries for Churchill .

“It’s an attractive proposition but we have a long way to go in the League. We just need to keep winning every week,” said Subhash Bhowmick, Churchill’s technical director.

Bhowmick’s team has been in excellent form for the last four away games as they won three and had a solitary draw against United Sikkim. Bhowmick is pleased with that performance and knows his team has the mental strength to continue in a similar manner as they return home.

“We are prepared and ready for Churchill,” said Sporting’s Technical Director, Alex Alvares. “The players are highly motivated and eager to take on Churchill. It is an important match for both.”

Sporting are looking to turn the tide after a very good display against Dempo in the local league recently. The players have started to grasp the tactics of new Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon and will use this game as another stepping stone to mould their latest compact style.

The Flaming Oranje trained at Duler Stadium, Mapusa this week on the recently installed astro-turf and managed to zip the ball around with real panache against the quick surface, which attracted many curious onlookers and passer-byes.

With the I-League matches set to switch to Vasco very soon, this will probably be the last high profile fixture for the Goan football loving crowd to witness at Fatorda stadium for some time.

The round 12 matches will be played at Tilak Stadium, Vasco from December 22 when Salgaocar will take oin Sporting followed by Churchill Bros v. Air India on December 23.