the goan I network
PANAJI
Churchill Brothers produced a fine exhibition of attacking football to thrash Aizawl FC 4-1 and move up to second position in the I-League 2018-19 at Tilak Stadium, Vasco on Sunday.
The Red Machines scored their third victory of the campaign and now have 13 points from seven games, still remaining unbeaten in the league. Petre Gigiu’s side got their goals through Uganda international Khalid Aucho (23rd minute), Israil Gurung (24th), Anthony Wolfe (62nd) and Willis Plaza (78th), who scored off a penalty kick to take his I-League goals tally to seven.
Aizawl threatened for a brief period early in the second half and got their goal through A Kromah (55th). Israil was named hero-of-the match for his energetic performance that saw him set up Churchill’s first goal with an accurate free-kick with Aucho providing an emphatic finish, to send the Red Machines fans into celebration.
In the next minute, Israil was in great position to head home from point blank range off a cross from left by skipper Dawda Ceesay. Churchill, who suffered a setback with defender Eldor Hussein pulling up with a hamstring niggle early in the first half, were dominant in the opening period and could have had a couple of more goals if not for desperate saves by Aizawl goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh.
In the second half as well, Churchill Bros, after surviving a nervous first quarter where they conceded the only goal from Kromah’s close-range shot after conceding possession near halfway line, looked in control again from the hour-mark when Trinidadian striker Anthony Wolfe made an impressive debut as a substitute getting onto the score-sheet with a skillful finish within two minutes of his arrival.
His compatriot Plaza kept the attack alive holding the ball from right flank and into the central attacking zone where the elegant-moving Ceesay, set up Wolfe. Plaza, who missed two great opportunities, had the consolation of scoring with a low effort when referee pulled up Aizawl captain Alfred Jaryan for a handball in the penalty area.
Aizawl, who are languishing in 9th place with five points from eight matches, seemed totally outplayed by Churchill and the visitors’ coach Gift Raikhan admitted that the Goan outfit was simply ‘too good’ for his team.
Churchill coach Gigiu praised his players and said he was happy with the victory.”Actually, I was afraid of this (Aizawl) team. I had seen their games and they play a fast counter-attacking game. You saw some of that ...but I am very happy for my boys and the victory takes our points tally up to cut the gap on leaders Chennai City to four points,” said the Romanian coach.
Asked how much improvement needs to be done for his side to become the contenders for the title, Gigiu said: “It is difficult to assume as after every game, all teams also improve. But the target is to win and continue this way.”
