Churchill play HAL sans Odafe

Churchill play HAL sans Odafe
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, JAN 13
The home match against Salgaocar Sports Club will continue to rankle coach Vincent Subramanian for sometime now as they were unbeaten and had a decent performance that evaporated that night. Churchill Brothers suddenly found themselves in the third place behind East Bengal and Salgaocar a day before they take on Bangalore’s HAL in their ninth round match of AIFF’s 4th I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday at 3.45 p.m.
It is certain that Churchill Brothers will be without the services of scoring Nigerian machine Odafe Okolie, who is yet to recover from the thigh injury suffered against Salgaocar in their previous match.
Churchill coach Vincent is keen to exploit the home conditions and play for a win. “We know the ground much better than the opposition. Keeping that in mind we have to try and outsmart them and play for a win,” he said.
“The three points are very crucial as it will take our tally to 16 points and help us stay closer to table-topper East Bengal,” Subramanian stated.
At the end of practice session at Cuncolim ground, on Thursday evening, Subramanian was quite satisfied. “We are confident of notching a win and moving up but HAL is not a team that can be taken lightly since they fight well,” mentioned Subramanian.
The absence of striker Odafe will somewhat prove to be an impediment to Churchill Brothers. But on the brighter side, young Durga Boro or Binesh Balan have risen to the call of coach Subramanian. Either will partner New Zealand’s Kayne Vincent upfront. Lenny Rodrigues, Israil Gurung, Zakeer M and Charan Rai will complete the midfield. The back four will see Rowilson Rodrigues, Denzil Franco, Y Raju and Robert L holding the fort.
HAL coach Z Thyagraj was confident that his boys would go all out for a win to add the maximum possible points to the eight they currently hold. “The boys have played most of their matches well but poor refereeing in the last two matches have robbed us valuable points,” said Thyagraj. Now the team is keen to turn a new leaf and get its finishing together.
“It’s sure Churchill’s coach will motivate his team and ensure they come out hard at us. Churchill Brothers is always a dangerous side when playing at home,” Thyagraz concluded.
Midfielder James Singh continues to be sidelined due to injury. HAL strike force will consist of veteran striker, R C Prakash, Nigerian A Fenni, Xavier Kumar and Asian origin Rohit Sen will surely fancy their chances against them.