The scenario was much different for Dempo, who despite dominating the second half wasted umpteen scoring chances and mounted pressure on the Churchill Bros citadel. Despite the draw, Churchill Bros are second with 20 points from 10 matches while Dempo stay on 15 points from 9 matches.
The Goan Network
MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club and Churchill Brothers Sports Club played out a goalless draw in an exciting encounter of GFA Pro League at Rosary Grounds, Navelim on Saturday. In an almost evenly contested tie, Churchill Bros had their share of chances in the opening session but failed to convert on each occasion.
The scenario was much different for Dempo, who despite dominating the second half wasted umpteen scoring chances and mounted pressure on the Churchill Bros citadel. Despite the draw, Churchill Bros are second with 20 points from 10 matches while Dempo stay on 15 points from 9 matches.
Earlier the match started on an attacking note with Churchill Brothers enjoying the lion's share of exchanges and raiding the rival den at regular intervals. Churchill Brothers nearly rocked the rival citadel at the early moments of the game but midfielder Seriton Fernandes missed the target narrowly after Nicholas Fernandes serving him on a platter. A couple of minutes later striker Pankaj Sona's smart header missed the target narrowly after winger Nicholas Fernandes sent a floater. Pankaj was in the thick of action again following a counter attack. He was spotted at the front but he was thwarted by rival defender. Churchill Brothers muffed the golden chance in the 22nd minute when Jaison Valles moved menacingly after Dempo's central defender Shallum Pires failed to contain him and his goalkeeper. Tyson Caido came out of his postion and his attempts never got contact with the Valles.
Referee Premanand Mandrekar suprisingly awarded the debatable penalty. The resultant spot-kick taken by Pankaj Sona hit the post much to the dismay of Churchill Bros supporters. Earlier, Aniston Fernandes failed to head home off a well-executed chip by Shallun Pires. Dempo were unlucky in the 35th minute when striker Bevan D'Mello's rasping shot hit the post much to the dismay of Dempo fans. The first half, thereafter, ended with the scores at 0-0. Crossing over, Dempo looked the dominant side as their efforts looked like yielding results. However, Dempo squandered their best chance of the tie. Soon after resumption, substitue Uttam Rai, who was beautifully fed at the front, tapped the ball just wide of the far right of the nets from a great position inside the box. Dempo had a chance to surge ahead but striker Bevan D'Mello floated the flag-kick inside the rival penalty box and striker Uttam Rai without wasting time unleashed a snapshot which hit the right post and went out. Thereafter it was Dempo who took over the reins but Nickson Castana sent a long ball, but Joy Ferrao failed to beat the rival goalkeeper Aliston Fernandes. With time running out, Churchill Bros found the match-winner when Pankaj Sona let go his blistering shot which was parried away by Dempo goalkeeper Tyson Caido.
Dempo had their share of chances but were unable to make that elusive breakthrough as the match ended in a goalless draw.
