Churchill, Dempo promise a cracker of a contest today

Margao, Feb 11: A cracker of a contest is on the cards in the derby clash when Dempo Sports Club and Churchill Brothers meet in the 14th round match of I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday at 3.45 p.m.
Both teams showing respect for each other, are determined to adopt a positive attacking approach and go all out for a win to grab three points on offer.
Both Dempo and Churchill will be under pressure. Dempo, who occupy the fourth spot with 22 points, will try to avoid a defeat. On the other hand, Churchill who are placed third on the league table with 26 points will go all out for a win to chase the title.
Dempo chief coach Armando Colaco and his Churchill Brothers counterpart Vincent Subramanian admitted that Saturday’s clash was big for both the sides.
“The morale of the players is high and I am confident that they will play to win,” said Colaco after the team had a light training session at University ground, Taleigao on Friday morning.
“Churchill Brothers are a good side and it’s going to be very difficult for us. We will try out best to record a win as we want to go forward. We are keen to be on the top and stay closer to the leader,” Colaco told Herald on the eve of the match.
There was some more good news for Colaco as defender Sameer Naik and Valeriano Rebello have recovered from their injuries and will figure in the playing 18. However, Colaco will miss Brazilian playmaker Roberto Mendes da Silva due to a double booking.
“The boys have worked hard but injury to some players and missing key players has affected our progress in the league. But the players intend to give their best and perform well against Churchill Brothers. The two successive victories against HAL and Viva Kerala have given the boys plenty of confidence and I expect good showing from them,” added Colaco.
Dempo’s midfielder Nigerian Ogba Kalu who was with Churchill Brothers last season should start against his former club. Dempo’s supply line looks good with international Climax Lawrence operating in central midfield and upcoming Clifford Miranda and Peter Carvalho operating on the flanks. Striker and captain Ranty Martins who has regained his scoring touch will lead the attack alongwith young striker Joaquim Abranches, who will surely keep the Churchill Brothers defenders on their toes. International Subhashish Roy Chowdhury will be tending to their goal while internationals Mahesh Gawli, John Dos or Domnic Noronha, Samir Naik and Debarata Roy will form the back four. However, Dempo will be without attacking midfielder Anthony Pereira who is nursing an injury.
Churchill Brothers are not ready to take things lightly and have prepared for their big match. Coach Vincent Subramanian has some other ideas for the visitors. He is set to try out new strategies and look for a win to earn full points.
Boasting several international players and key foreigners in their ranks, they will also strengthen their defence to keep Ranty Martins and Joaquim Abranches away.
Subramanian spoke on similar lines. “Tomorrow’s match is a big, very big one for us as we have to catch with table toppers East Bengal,” he said after the team had a long practice session on Friday evening at Cuncolim ground. “The team which capitalises on chances to score goals and cut down on errors will emerge victorious,” Subramanian said.
Churchill Brothers’ strong point has been their defence and upfront spearheaded by Kayne Vincent and Karpeh. Subramanian is confident that they will dominate the midfield marshaled by Steven Dias, Zakeer Mundampara, Binesh Balan and Brazilian Amouri and will not provide much time and space to the rival attackers.
“The boys are playing well and I hope they capitalise on the chances. The defence and midfield are combining well and the strikers have shown good form. I am confident that they will deliver tomorrow,” Subramanian stated.
Arindam Bhattacahrya will be under the Churchill bar. Churchill will ring in just one change bringing on Zakker M back after a one match suspension. The back-four will see international Gourmangi Singh, Rowilson Rodrigues, Robert Lalthlanuana and Denzil Franco holding the fort.
“The spirit in the team is good and I hope they carry it into the match on Saturday. It’s never easy playing against Dempo and I am confident they will give a good account of themselves as both the teams are in with their full strength,” Subramanian concluded.
Churchill Brothers don’t face injury or suspension hassles and are in a position to field their best possible line-up for the crucial encounter barring Odafe Okolie who is yet to recover from injury.