PANAJI
Churchill Brothers SC and Vasco Sports Club played out a 1-1 draw in the Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium Mapusa.
Though the score line was just 1-1 the match was filled with plenty of actions and drama. There were two penalties in the game and Churchill Brothers couldn't convert both of them.
Not their fault. They were facing one of the most experienced players Luis Barrero who was the Vasco goalkeeper and blocked both the penalties in style.
The match was end to end in the opening minutes of the game however it was Churchill brothers who looked more promising and created a couple of chances early on. Churchill Brothers' Afdal created problems for Vasco defence. However, both his early attempts were saved by Vasco custodian Luis.
At the other end, Vasco had a great chance when Francis Fernandes played a long through pass to Beevan D'mello. But before the striker could react Churchill keeper Nora was quick to leave his line and collect the ball.
The match turned out physical when Churchill's Afdal and Vasco's Sanwil got into an altercation and the referee cautioned both the players. Churchill's Afdal was lucky to remain on the field when he heavily tackled vasco's Kuldeep despite the referee blowing his whistle moments earlier for his previous faults.
Churchill Brothers were awarded their first penalty when Afdal Mondal dramatically went down in the box with the slightest touch. Clencio Pinto stepped up tried his luck but Luis put a strong arm and saved the spot kick which brushed the post and went out. The match was lively throughout but there was no outcome.
In the second half, Vasco’s coach Micky Fernandes made a tactical change bringing on Savlon Fernandes and the player ensured his presence would count increasing the tempo of the game. Francisco Fernandes sent in a through pass to Beevan, who then cut back to Sanwil, who then made the hard work and set up Beevan for an open goal. The Vasco’s new signee scored in second consecutive game for the Port Towners after making his switch from Dempo SC.
Vasco dominated the play for a brief spell after taking the lead and should have doubled the lead when Francis played an excellent pass to Cavin Lobo, however, he was flagged offside to the surprise of the onlookers, as it didn’t looked like one.
Churchill’s Quan Gomes dictated play in the midfield and played regular passes to his strikers upfront. Afdal then once again earned a penalty for his side. However once again Luis proved his supremacy in goal and this time against Rajender Singh (Raju). Churchill finally scored in the 85th minute and it was their defender Keenan Almeida who nodded in a cross from the flank.
