Vasco stage splendid recovery, hold Churchill

Vasco stage splendid recovery, hold Churchill
Vasco   2   Churchill 2
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, AUG 28
Vasco Club staged a splendid recovery holding Churchill Bros 2-2 in the inaugural match of Kingfisher Goa Pro League at Tilak Stadium, here on Saturday. Churchill led 1-0 at the break.
Churchill went ahead through Israil Gurung and Durga Boro scored in second half. Substitute Aniket Jadav and Christopher Borges scored for Vasco.
Vasco have to blame themselves for conceding a goal in the 6th minute as former Sesa striker Israil Gurung scored off a free kick from Iranian Rouhollah Samieinia.
There was a sizeable number of fans, mostly school students and senior citizens thanks to GFA’s policy of free entry, but the fare provided by both teams must have hardly enthused them.
Churchill struggled and were lucky to double the lead in the 77th minute when Durga Boro made goo use of a long pass from Mario Crasto.
A minute later, Vasco goalkeeper Milagrio Medeira came to side’s rescue as he saved acrobatically a power-packed shot from
Rouhollah.
Vasco, two goals down, Vasco fought back gallantly and reduced the margin the 81st minute as a perfect cross from Joel Sequiera was headed in by substitute Aniket Jadav.
A blunder by Churchill goalkeeper in the 88th minutes cost them the lead, as Christopher Borges pounced on a cross from Joel Sequeira.
“We certainly did not expect such a result. Our players played a relaxed game after two goals ahead and that cost us in end,” said Churchill’s Alfred Fernandes.
Vasco’s Gavin Araujo said that the players had played very well and executed the plans. “It was a fantastic recovery during the last 15 minutes when we managed to restore parity,” commented Gavin.
“We were not a full strength today and at the beginning the players were a bit nervous. But gradually, they came into their own and the one point we earned is really remarkable,” added Gavin.