MARGAO
With their deserved 2-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC in the previous match, Churchill Bros showed their new-found battle-ready core in the I-League. Nevertheless for coach Alfred Fernandes, there is still scope for improvement as the Red Machines set their sights on Monday night’s match against Indian Arrows.
“There is room for improvement on both the sides of the field,” said Alfred.
Churchill Bros certainly have turned things around well after a disappointing start. After the draw against East Bengal at home, Churchill went on to win in Kerala against Gokulam FC before beating Shillong Lajong FC at home on Friday.
The Varca-based club are in the ninth spot with 7 points while Indian Arrows have 10 points.
Indian Arrows, who played their last home game in Goa and lost to NEROCA FC 2-0 despite playing impressively, will come out charging like wounded tigers and always show good organisation skills masterminded by coach Luis Norton de Matos. As such, Churchill Bros will have to be on top of their game now that the team looks settled and balanced.
Coach Alfred is well aware that a slip-up against Indian Arrows could again affect the team’s morale. “So, there’s just no question of taking Indian Arrows lightly,” he categorically mentioned. “The morale of the team is very high after our victory over Lajong FC,” he added.
“The boys are upbeat and are looking to concentrate on winning the home matches. I’ve just told the guys to go and play positive football. As I said earlier, we need to play positive football and try and win the game,” he said.
The Churchill Brothers coach revealed that Jovial Martins and Nigerian midfielder Kalu Ogba were still nursing injuries. “I will have a look at them tomorrow, however the injuries are not serious,” he added.
