PANAJI
Churchill Brothers FC scored a solitary goal win over FC Goa in the opening match of the Goa Professional League, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.
Trijoy Dias scored the only goal of the game in the 55th minute for the Red Machines. He was named the Player of the match.
The first half was characterised by a tense midfield battle, with both teams struggling to break through their opponent's defence. Churchill Brothers had the first real chance of the game when Trijoy narrowly missed the target with a powerful effort.
FC Goa's defence was resolute, with Balkaran Singh blocking Jobern Cardozo's attempt on goal. The deadlock was further emphasised when Prachit Gaonkar's free-kick for FC Goa was comfortably saved by the Churchill Brothers' goalkeeper.
As the first half came to a close, neither side managed to find the back of the net, leaving the game finely balanced. However, the second half witnessed an eruption of excitement. In the 55th minute, the Churchill Brothers broke the deadlock when Bradley played a precise long pass to Jobern on the left flank. Jobern, the skipper, showcased his skill by expertly controlling the ball and firing it past the FC Goa goalkeeper, sending the home crowd into jubilation.
FC Goa, determined to equalise, pressed forward with intent. Vellington Fernandes came close to levelling the score with an attempt on goal, but it narrowly missed its mark. Trijoy, who was instrumental throughout the game, had two more opportunities to extend the Churchill Brothers' lead but both of his shots sailed over the bar.
In the dying moments of the match, FC Goa's Lemmet Tangvah tried his luck with a long-range strike but Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee showcased his brilliance with a fantastic save, preserving his team's lead and securing the crucial victory.
