MAPUSA: Churchill Bros recorded their first victory of the campaign by getting the better of Goa Velha Sports Club 2-0, in Goa Football Association’s Goa Professional League round two football match, at Duler Stadium, here, on Monday. Churchill Bros led 1-0 at half time.
Pankaj Sona broke the deadlock for The Red Machines before the break, while hard-working Joshua Rebello secured three points with a delightful strike, ten minutes before the final whistle.
Churchill Bros moved on top of the standings with four points with better goal difference than Dempo SC, who also have four points and are in the second spot. Goa Velha are in the sixth position with one point.
Goa Velha started off on an attacking note and gave their rivals a wake up call in the 13th minute when defender Anthony Duarte’e scorching 40-yard free-kick hit the crossbar.
Then onwards, Churchill Bros took control with superior ball possession and good build up football which kept the Goa Velha back four on their toes.
They brought in Joshua Rebello in place of under-20 Nash Pereira at the half hour mark and the former soon got involved by setting up Elvis Barretto inside the box. However, the Churchill Bros skipper’s close ranger was excellently blocked by Goa Velha custodian Siddesh Morje in the 36th minute.
Subsequently, Joshua’s rasping left footer kissed the crossbar. The Varca-based outfit finally broke the deadlock just before the lemon break as Pankaj Sona found the back of the net. Joshua again played an instrumental role in the build up.
In the second session, Churchill Bros continued attacking with ease as Goa Velha’s midfield failed to function as a cohesive unit.
The Red Machines had numerous chances but lacked finishing. Striker Nicholas Fernandes had five glorious chances in the span of 15 minutes but he was wasteful throughout the evening.
On the other hand, goalkeeper Siddesh was simply outstanding but was unfortunate to concede the second goal in the 80th minute.
Joshua was rewarded for his efforts. The medio pulled the trigger from outside the box and Siddhesh initially got his gloves on the ball but it eventually rolled inside the goal, 2-0.
There will be no matches played on Tuesday.
Salgaocar Football Club will take on Bardez favourites Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club, on Wednesday.
