Churchill prevail over Arrows

Churchill prevail over Arrows
HERALD SPORTS DESK
PANJIM, MARCH 2
A goal in each half saw Churchill Brothers registering a 2-1 victory over Indian Arrows in a round XVII match of  I-League at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurgaon here Wednesday.
It was Indian Arrows first defeat at home. Churchill Brothers are now in second spot with 33 points, one point ahead of East Bengal, who now see themselves to third spot with 32 points. Salgaocar still enjoy the top spot with 37 points.
Churchill drew first blood in the 10th through their Nigerian striker, Odafe Onyeka Okolie. He took advantage of a Steven Dias’s corner after Indian Arrows defence failed to clear the ball and placed his low left footer comfortably into the goal.
Arrows tried their best to level the terms, but failed to breach the Churchill defence led by Indian international defender, Gouramangi Singh. The Manipuri defender was further adjudged man-of-the match.
The home side’s best chance came in 29th minute, when Subodh Kumar’s free-kick was marginally over the woodwork with goalkeeper Lalit Thapa beaten.
Churchill got a golden opportunity to increase the lead, but to Churchill despair, Amouri’s right footer hit the woodwork from the top of the 18-yard box.
After changing ends, Indian Arrows did put lot of pressure through free-kicks, but failed to notch up the equaliser.
Churchill brought in Kayne Vincent and Bineesh Balan in place of Odafe Onyeka Okolie and Steven Dias, and the duo paved the way for the second goal, with Vincent finding the back of the net two minutes before the end of the match.
Bineesh picked a loose ball and made a swift run from the center, and essayed a ball to Kayne Vincent on the right, who made no mistake to put Churchill on the driver’s seat. The match saw a dramatic end as Jeje Lalpekhlua pulled one back down the wire (90’) for Arrows with a superb shot from the top of the box on turn, which indeed was the best goal of the match.