Team Herald
MAPUSA: Churchill Brothers FC managed to down Salgaocar FC 2-1 to halt their opponent’s fine run in the GFA’s Super League match at Duler stadium here, today.
After today’s encounter Salgaocar stayed on 25 points while Churchill Brothers’ tally rose to 21 points.
Salgaocar, who were strong contenders for the GPL title, started earnestly and came close to scoring twice. In the 5th minute, Salgaocar’s Under-20 Richard Cardozo sent a deadly cross to Mark Carvalho but before the latter could pull the trigger, Churchill’s stopper back Nongpmeikapam Meitei came with a timely
clearance.
Just two minutes later, Mark Carvalho controlled a pass from Under-20 Beckham Dias and after covering some ground let go a power-packed left footer which was brilliantly blocked at the expense of a corner by Churchill’s goalkeeper Nora Fernandes.
Churchill Bros regrouped themselves and surged ahead in the 18th minute as a long cross from Hyden Fernandes was connected by Jobern Cardozo to Malsawmdawngkima who guided the ball into the goal.
Hardly had the cheers died down inside Churchill Brothers camp when the opponents leveled terms. Mark Carvalho collected a floater from medio Samuel Costa and finished clinically for the equaliser.
Salgaocar could have taken the lead in the 28th minute. Off Sidharth Kundaikar’s free kick Krishnanath Shirodkar headed the ball to Beckham Dias whose tap right in front of the goal was brilliantly blocked by Churchill’s goalkeeper Nora Fernandes at the expense of a corner. From the resultant flag-kick, Churchill’s Richard Carvalho brought off a smart goalline clearance off Mark’s strike.
Just ten minutes into the second session, Salgaocar’s skipper Samuel Costa drove a stinging 25-yard strike which, however, rebounded into play after hitting the top corner of the crossbar.
After 20 minutes of midfield tussle, Churchill’s Hyden Fernandes long ranger was pushed for a corner by goalkeeper Jason with a diving save.
Finally, in the 80th minute, Churchill’s Jobern found substitute Aaron Bareto inside the penalty area and the latter’s stiff grounder beat diving goalkeeper Jason D’Mello.
Churchill Bros almost netted their third goal but Jobern’s header off a long cross from Mevzen missed the target narrowly.
Churchill Bros’ Hyden Fernandes won the man-of-the match award.
