The Story So Far…
After Round 14 of the I-League action, Churchill Brothers FC take a break for International football before they play their final four games of the 2017 season. This is how the season has unfolded so far…
Return to the top flight football
In the absence of the big guns – Salgaocar Football Club, Dempo Sports Club and Sporting Clube de Goa – there were high expectations on Churchill Brothers Football Club, who returned to the top flight football after being unceremoniously dumped in 2014.
The Churchill Brothers FC team was elated on their return to the I-League after a span of two years. However, The Red Machines could do little to shine before the start of the League as they stressed on the local talent. Keenan Almeida, Adil Khan, Rowilson Rodrigues were few big names in the squad.
The Goan outfit played their first game of the campaign against Mohun Bagan without any foreign players and fairly did well despite losing 0-1 in Kolkata.
After recording hat-trick of defeats and a draw. The Red Machines finally managed to register their first win with a stunning 2-1 victory against Bengaluru FC.
The side labored, one-dimensional brand of football under Alfred was a far cry from the swashbuckling teams that the Goan fans had grown accustomed to and The Red Machines had the poorest run, rooted bottom of the table after nine games.
Alfred’s team despite having the Wolfe in his pack, the Goan side scored just six goals in the first nine games, showing a lack of attacking. The change was inevitable.
Resurgence under Derrick
Rooted bottom and in a bid to avoid the drop following their return, club patron Churchill Alemao handed over the team’s charge to Derrick Pereira.
The 55-year-old joined the Goan outfit with all the verve and bravado that The Red Machines fans craved for following their return to the top flight football.
The former DSK Shvajians boss had the vigour – and arrogance – that Alfred Fernandes so desperately lacked to lead the club.
However, with the change in the leadership, expectations had rightly shifted from surviving relegation to top five finishes.
The Goan side unearthed remarkable depth, versatility than ever and have real game-changers on the bench.
Derrick began his campaign on a dream run as he won three games on a trot after losing the first game and drew the last against Shillong Lajong – collecting 10 points from possible 15!
Kromah’s individual brilliance as Wolfe howls
Despite Anthony Wolfe found his form at the Goan club, The Red Machines fans have Ansumana Kromah to be grateful for club’s attacking line up during their damp phase.
The Liberian midfielder made his debut as a late substitute against Minerva Punjab in their goalless draw.
Kromah announced himself with a superb strike in his third match, as the Liberian scored the only goal in their 1-3 defeat against Aizawl FC to earn an instant place in The Red Machines hearts. He hasn’t looked back.
Kromah scored five goals for The Red Machines in his debut campaign and might score a couple more with four games to go.
The amazing element of Kromah’s performances this season – barring his age and lack of experience in the I-League – is the fact that he’s seemed immune from the mundane displays of his teammates.
Kromah lifted the spirit of the Goan fans as he injected excitement into a dull start.
Bektur, Brendon could do Better
It could have been any number of different players but Bektur Talgao Uulu will have to learn from a rather slow start at the club.
The Kyrgyzstan national made his debut in their 0-2 loss against East Bengal. He began brightly in his first two games but the 22-year-old failed to create any impact in the midfield. Despite frozen on the pitch, Bektur was included in every single match day squad but his yet to open his account. The tempestuous midfielder is yet to find his role in the side but it’s clear that he has talent. However, Derrick considers the 22-year-old influential in the game plan with his constant support upfront.
This could be one of the best starts for Goa’s Brendon Fernandes. The Goan lad enjoyed an injury free season and had 11 starts so far scoring twice-both from the free-kicks.
The fans are still expecting the lad to come out bright in the final four games.
Defence an area of concern!
Mumbai FC (23), Minerva Punjab (23) and Chennai City FC (21) are the only three sides that have conceded more goals than Churchill Brothers FC. Despite having Fulganco, Keenan and Adil in the ranks The Red Machines lacks a leader.
The Goan outfit managed to keep just two clean sheets in their 14 outings. The Red’s defence had been an area of concern for Derrick. The Gaffer continuously stressed on his defence which could have done better in the matches against Chennai, Shillong, Aizawl and Minerva.
However, Churchill Bros defence breathed life as Derrick joined the team and insisted on having more communication in the team, which bore fruits in the last four games that saw them concede just two goals.
Will the chemistry sustain till the final game, only the last line of Churchill Bros know.
Rise of U-21 players
Churchill Bros mindlessness transfer policy afforded an opportunity to the club’s next generation players. The signing of the local players gave chance for the U-21 players to rise and shine. First it was Kingslee Fernandes and then Chesterpoul Lyngdoh.
Playing in the league opener, Kingslee put in an industrious display to earn Man-of-the-Match award in his debut game against Mohun Bagan. The winger started the first two games for The Red Machines under Alfred.
However, it was Chesterpoul who has been the find of the league so far! The Meghalaya lad started 12 matches and has scored three times for the Goan outfit. The 18-year-old, who was behind fellow U-21 Kingslee in the pecking order at the season start, was handed his debut against East Bengal.
The midfielder scored his first I-League goal in their 2-1 win against Bengaluru FC to hand the Red Machines first win of the season. The winger will be remembered for his match winner against Mohun Bagan at Tilak Maidan.
The former Pune City lad has scored all his three goals at home and his ‘leap of death’ celebration has been a joy to watch for the home fans.
Exceeded expectations
What was meant to be a relegation-battling campaign surprisingly turned into an interesting mid-table combat for the Goan side. Grossly underestimated, this is the same Churchill Bros who started the season on a poor note.
Churchill Bros didn’t have to be particularly good to reach their ‘goal’ of winning the title and it says everything about where the club is right now that they couldn’t take it.
Derrick Pereira undeniably deserves a round of applause. Churchill Bros have exceeded all expectation. Without the players to implement his philosophy, he maturely adapted it and put faith in Churchill Bros existing side.
What next?
However, standing sixth after 14 games, the Goan side can collect maximum of 12 points from the four games that will take them to 28 points.
With Aizawl FC already on 30 points from 14 games, the title is beyond the reach. However, The Red Machines could spoil Aizawl FC party as the North-East side chases their maiden I-League title when they play them on April 15, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco before locking horns with Mumbai FC on April 8 away at Cooperage ground, Mumbai.
