Team Herald
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MARGAO: Churchill Brothers bolstered their I-League title aspirations with a commanding 3-1 victory over Dempo SC in a thrilling Goan derby at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.
The Red Machines led 2-0 at half-time, with an own goal by Dempo defender Mohamed Ali (26′) giving them the lead. Wayde Lekay (35′) then extended Churchill’s advantage with a goal before setting up Stendly Fernandes (58′) for a third. Shaher Shaheen (66′) pulled one back for Dempo late in the game, but it proved to be only a consolation.
Lekay’s stellar performance saw him climb to third in the league’s goal-scoring charts, bringing his season tally to 11 goals. The victory pushed Churchill Brothers to 37 points from 19 matches, placing them three points ahead of Inter Kashi, who have a game in hand. Dempo remain in ninth place with 22 points from 19 matches, just three points clear of the relegation zone.
From the opening whistle, Churchill Brothers dictated the pace of the game, looking the more organised and aggressive side. They effectively used the width of the pitch, stretching the Dempo defence and applying relentless pressure.
Their breakthrough came in the 26th minute, albeit with a touch of fortune. Lekay fired a low shot towards goal, and in an attempt to clear, Dempo’s Mohamed Ali misjudged his clearance, inadvertently turning the ball into his own net to give Churchill a 1-0 lead.
Churchill capitalised on their momentum and doubled their advantage in the 35th minute. A perfectly-weighted through ball split the Dempo defence, releasing Lekay in a one-on-one situation. The South African striker kept his composure, slotting the ball past a helpless Ashish Sibi to make it 2-0.
Dempo attempted to mount a second-half comeback and were handed a golden opportunity in the 56th minute when Kingslee Fernandes brought down Juan Mera inside the box.
The referee pointed to the penalty spot, but Marcus Joseph failed to convert, sending his shot high over the crossbar, much to the dismay of the Dempo camp.
Just two minutes later, Churchill Brothers effectively ended Dempo’s hopes. Lamgoulen Semkholun displayed brilliant vision, threading a precise pass to Lekay, who flicked it into the path of Fernandes. The midfielder made no mistake, rifling his shot home in the 58th minute to extend Churchill’s lead to 3-0.
Dempo finally found the net in the 66th minute through a well-executed set-piece. A perfectly delivered free-kick found Shaher Shaheen, who rose above the defence to head home, giving Dempo a late consolation.
With just a few matches remaining, Churchill Brothers remain firmly in the I-League title hunt, while Dempo will need to fight to stay clear of the relegation zone.
