Churchill Bros crash Arrows

MAPUSA: Churchill Bros came form a goal behind to score three and record a 3-1 victory against Pailan Arrows in a 15th round I-League match at Duler Stadium, here, Wednesday. There was no score at half time. 

Churchill started with Ajay Singh and Akram Moghrabi upfront while Gabonese striker Henri Antchouet started on the bench. 

Ajay Singh could have put his side ahead in the very first minute but headed wide off a cross from Denzil Franco. 

Pailan settled quickly, matching their rivals’ pace with Holichran Narzary’s powerful long ranger being blocked by Churchill goalkeeper Sandip Nandy in the 15th minute. 

Churchill effected a change in the 26th minute with Israil Gurung coming in place of Ajjay Singh. They maintained good ball possession, keeping the rival defenders on their toes. 

Four minutes later, Pailan goalkeeper Soram Angamba was booked for time-wasting by match referee Andrew Shekar. 

At the other end, Churchill’s Roberto Silva (Beto) sent a well measured pass to substitute Israil on the left flank who sprinted inside the box and tried to appeal for a penalty but the referee was in the right position and booked Israil for simulation in the 30th minute. 

Just before the lemon break, Holichran Narzary came close to scoring but his curling effort from outside the box went inches wide. 

After the restart, Churchill went on the offensive. Akram Moghrabi was substituted with Henri Antchouet in the 53rd minute to boost the striking force. 

However, three minutes later, Pailan broke the deadlock from a set-piece. Milan Singh’s corner-kick was headed in by Prathamesh Maulingkar who had moved up. 

Stung by the set back, Churchill rearranged quickly and super-sub Henri Antchouet equalized in the 60th minute. Steven Dias’ long ball was well controlled by Beto who set up Henri inside the box to slot home past the rival goalkeeper. 

Three minutes later, Beto and Henri cam up in a combined move and the latter kept his cool in front of the rival goal to put Churchill in the lead. 

In the 65th minute, Henri, off a counter-attack, set up Israil who scored Churchill’s third goal. 

At this point, it was all over for the young Pailan team which looked out of steam. 

Churchill coach Mariano Dias was delighted with the three points. “Starting with Akram Moghrabi upfront instead of regular Henri Antchouet was a technical strategy that worked out superbly. The boys gave their best in the second session and even after conceding a goal we were confident to come back and win.” 

Pailan coach Arthur Papas was proud of his young and inexperienced players although they suffered a defeat. “You have to be disappointed with the result after a very strong first half. You can see the difference the foreigners make in the I-League as Churchill scored goals easily. Our team is very young and we need time to build it up. But overall, I’m satisfied and proud with their performance.” 

Churchilll remain on top of the standings with 31 points from 13 matches while Pailan are at the eighth position with 14 points from 14 matches. 

After three I-League games played at the venue, the GFA has finally laid netting at the main stand to ensure the safety of players and match officials. The work was taken up by Collin Fernandes, stadium manager and Reggie Mascarenhas, ex stadium manager with the assistance of Bardez zone members Alirio Lobo, Gajanan Kerkar, Babli Mandrekar, Uday Lingudkar under the supervision of vice-presiden (North) Lavinio Rebello who has been working overtime for the smooth organization of the matches.