VASCO: After three consecutive wins, the revamped Red Machines ran out of steam as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against NEROCA FC, at Tilak Stadium, on Tuesday.
In the first session, be it attack, defence, build up play or finishing, Coach Alfredo Fernandes’ side failed in all areas of the game against Manipuri side, which managed to register their first win after two consecutive defeats against Shillong Lajong and Minerva Academy at home, thanks to the first half penalty goal from Felix Odili Chidi.
Offensively, Neroca FC were the busier team early on as they were firing from all angles but their efforts were mostly flying off target.
They finally managed to find a breakthrough when Churchill Brothers’ fullback Wayne Vaz brought down Subash Singh in the box as the forward was racing down the left and the referee didn’t hesitate to award them a spot-kick in the 21st minute.
Felix Odili stepped up and coolly steered the ball under the outstretched arms of Kithan as the visitors led 1-0 in the 22nd minute.
However, the goal proved to be the game decider, but Churchill Brothers FC coach didn’t look happy with the decision. “As you have seen, we almost dominated in the normal period, the penalty decision was too soft as the opponent player didn’t even appeal for the penalty,” said Alfredo, addressing the post match conference.
In the second half, the Red Machines dominated and came up with renewed ideas. Coach Alfred side put up a much better performance which saw them enjoy better possession and test the keeper on many instances, but the side just couldn’t find the breakthrough.
“It’s all about scoring. The statistics will show that we had almost 70 to 80 per cent of ball possession, but ultimately, we had to score which we did not. We were playing a very good football, but today, it just didn’t go in our way,” added Alfredo.
Foreign recruits Mechac Koffi and Kalu Ogba too failed to get past strong NEROCA keeper Loitongbam Bishorjit Singh.
