SELVEL GOA PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE: CHURCHILL BROTHERS TASTE VICTORY

PANAJI: Churchill Brothers FC beat Panjim Footballers 1-0 to register their first win in the Goa Football Association’s Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Wednesday. Rakesh Das scored the lone goal in the 41st minute for the Varca-based team.

It was an end to end battle as both teams put up much improved performances as compared to their previous games.

Panjim Footballers had their first real chance when Lokesh Kumar sprinted on the left flank getting past his marker but his dangerous ball in the box was collected by  keeper Debnath Mondal before Joyson Gauncar could get to the ball.

Churchill Brothers had an opportunity from a set-piece. Rakesh Das sent in a floater from a flag kick which found Raju, but the stopper back couldn’t direct his header on the frame.

Panjim had another chance when Liston Cardozo sent in a long diagonal ball in the box to Joyson, but the lad failed to control the ball which ultimately bounced into the keeper’s arm.

Panjim kept attacking but it was Churchill Brothers who took the lead against the run of play in the 41st minute when Churchill’s Mohammed Shahsad tried to get in the midfield and before he could pass, Akram Yadwad cleared the ball from his feet only to fall it straight to Rakesh Das, who was lone on goal. The striker kept his composure to score past Preston Rego.

In the second half, Panjim continued to attack and nearly found the equaliser when Vallmiky Miranda connected a brilliant shot with a perfect dip, but the Red Machines custodian Debnath pulled off a brilliant save. The keeper pulled another save when he pushed a Akash Sanadi long range shot for a corner.

Panjim squandered a great chance to get back into the game when Liston Cardozo darted into Churchill Brothers box and getting past couple of rival players squared the ball to Joyson, but the last-named shot was blocked by Tipanna.

Joyson was culprit of squandering yet another chance and it was once again Liston with yet another delightful cross in the box. It fell to an unmarked Joyson. And with just the keeper at his sight, the striker kneed the ball way over the crossbar.

Panjim were in total control of the game. Dominated the entire second half but despite creating chances, their strikers couldn’t get it into the back of the net.