PANAJI
Churchill Brothers and Youth Club of Manora shared the spoils in a four-goal thriller in the Goa Football Association Selvel Goa Professional League, at Rosary ground, Navelim, on Tuesday.
Churchill Bros were first to take the lead through Anford Fernandes in the 37th minute before Manora came back strongly in the second half and scored two goals through Aniston Fernandes (69’) and Sweden Barbosa (71’). However, Myron Mendes got the equaliser for Churchill Bros in the 90th minute.
Manora started brightly and had a couple of chances early in the game. Nicholas Fernandes’ presence created trouble for Churchill Brothers as they had to absorb early pressure. Nicholas sent in a delivery to Melisho, who missed a simple tap-in as his attempt narrowly missed the mark while his earlier shot was easily saved by the keeper.
Manora had themselves to blame for as they created chances but poor striking upfront let them down. At the other end, Churchill Brothers also missed a couple of chances before they finally got a goal in the 37th minute through Anford, who brilliantly connected a half-volley off an Asif pass.
In the second half, the match was restricted to a midfield battle as the teams took time to settle in. With Churchill Brothers playing more of a direct game, Manora soaked in the pressure. Churchill Bros nearly got a goal when Asif was sent through on goal but Manora goalkeeper Luis Barreto came out rushing to smother the ball.
Finally, in the 69th minute, Manora got the equaliser from a set-piece. Aniston Fernandes sent in a curling freekick which the Churchill keeper managed to get a touch on, but the ball ended in the goal.
Manora quickly scored their second in the 71st minute which came from a quick attack. Once again it was Aniston who was instrumental in the buildup as he whipped in a delivery from the right, which was headed in by Joywin Carneiro. However, the latter’s header came off the crossbar back into the play and the rebound fell to Sweden, who put it past a helpless Churchill Bros keeper.
But Churchill Brothers managed to score an equaliser in the 90th minute and it was a gem of a goal scored by Myron Mendes, who curled the ball into the far post from inside the box, which gave no chance to the rival keeper. At the other end, Nicholas saw another of his efforts being denied, this time by the post.
Dempo-Velsao match called off
The day’s second match at Duler Stadium, Mapusa between Dempo SC and Velsao Sports and Cultural Club was called off after the latter failed to produce the Covid-19 negative certificates as per the tournament SOPs.
The Goa Football Association will decide the outcome of the game. If Dempo are awarded three points, they will climb to the top of the standings and have a chance to win the crown, while Velsao SCC will be relegated from the Goan top division league.
