TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
VASCO: Fresh from their unexpected, but deserving 3-0 win over Singapore’s Warriors FC in the AFC Cup match in Pune, Churchill Brothers will look to put it across Pune FC and strengthen their I-League title ambitions in a crucial clash at Tilak Stadium, here Friday at 6.30 p.m. The match will be telecast live on Ten Sports.
Having raised their game, Churchill Brothers lead the I-League table with 44 points from 21 matches and know that a win against Pune FC will put them in the driver’s seat with just four more matches to go. They have been consistent in their performance and will have the home crowd support to push them to greater heights.
Pune FC are placed third with 37 points from 20 matches, and although they are seven points behind Churchill Brothers, coach Derrick Pereira knows that a win will cut the deficit down to four points and they will still have a match in hand. “This match will be the key. Anything can happen in the title race,” said Pereira.
Pune FC have been solid in their performances and Pereira believes his team will need another superb performance to tame Churchill in their own den. “Churchill have some tough games including against Mohun Bagan and Dempo. If we can defeat them on Friday, we can start dreaming,” said Pereira, who will miss Japanese midfielder Izumi Arata through suspension.
“I have noticed over the years that you have to work hard and if you do that sincerely, results will follow. At Pune FC, the management has been supportive and pushing us for results,” he said.
Churchill Brothers, whose virtually second string team routed Warriors XI in Pune on Tuesday, are equally determined to surge ahead in the title race. “This is a do-or-die match for us. A win will be excellent. I hope we can do just that,” said Technical Director Subhash Bhowmick.
Churchill were forced to rest seven players for the AFC Cup clash against Warriors FC, formerly, Singapore Armed Forces, mainly due to injuries, on Tuesday and all of the players, except for Brazilian midfielder Beto, are expected to return to the field. Besides, Afghan striker Balal will also be making his debut in Goa. “The boys are in top gear. I am sure they will deliver,” said Bhowmick.
