Team Herald
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RAIA: Sporting Clube de Goa registered a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Churchill Brothers FC in the Professional League match played at the Raia panchayat ground, on Friday.
Sporting Clube drew first blood as early in the 4th minute when Letzamang Haokip capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home. However, their lead lasted barely two minutes, with Rajender Singh Bairola restoring parity for Churchill Brothers FC through a well-placed finish.
Churchill Brothers almost surged ahead in the 31st minute, but Moirangthem Berlin’s powerful attempt sailed over the Sporting Clube crossbar.
Sporting Clube responded in the 42nd minute when Leran Jose Dias’ header missed the target by a whisker. In first-half injury time, Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Abhay Bisht produced a fine save to tip away a tricky header from Doyal Alves, ensuring the teams went into the breather locked 1-1.
The second half saw Churchill Brothers’ Danish Aribam squander two clear opportunities, keeping the scoreline unchanged. Sporting Clube eventually punished the missed chances when Doyal Alves found the back of the net in the 54th minute, handing his side a 2-1 advantage.
Despite late pressure from the Red Machines, Sporting Clube held firm to secure full points.
