PANAJI
Churchill Brothers scored a resounding 4-0 win over Youth Club of Manora in the Selvel Goa Football Association Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Friday.
Saurav Mandal scored a brace for the winning team and Aaron Bareto and Quan Gomes were the other goal scorers for the winning team.
It was an end to end battle in the opening minutes of the game as both teams showed energy and urgency in moving forward. Manora were first to test the keeper in the initial minutes when Jouston Barbosa tested the keeper with a powerful drive. But Nora kept it out and the rebound was cleared by Churchill’s Rajender Bairola.
At the other end, Churchill Bros too had an opportunity when Aaron Bareto got to the end of Quan Gomes’ corner kick, however, the youngster couldn’t keep his effort in the frame. Then from another Gomes’ corner, Saurav narrowly missed to direct his header in the frame.
After making their intent clear with a pressing game, Churchill Brothers finally broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Afdal Varikkodan played a sublime through pass to Aaron, who this time kept his composure as he slotted past the onrushing Manora custodian Brodman Dorgarkar.
Manora didn’t stop trying as Nicklas Noronha and U20 Sweden Barbosa were quick with the ball upfront. Just before the water break, Sweden ran down the left flank and cut past a couple of Churchill Brothers' defence and tried to play in the area which was intercepted by the Red Machines defence. However, Eldon Colaco got hold of the loose ball and played a low cross at the face of the goal, but none of the Manora players were in a position to put the ball at the back of the net.
Later, Nicklas was set through on goal with a long ball. The lad got past his marker with his pace however, he couldn’t direct the shot in the frame. Manora continued with their attack and Sweden Barbosa was denied by Churchill keeper Nora Fernandes with a diving save.
At the other end, Churchill Brothers FC doubled the score when Quan Gomes sent in a cross at the far post to Saurav, who perfectly nodded home from inside the box. The Red Machines enjoyed a 2-0 lead at the break.
The Red Machines were totally dominant in the game as Aaron and Saurav created plenty of chances in the game. And after continuous pressing, the Red Machines further inflated the tally and it was Saurav once again for Churchill Brothers. Quan Gomes whipped in another of his curling corner kick wherein the unmarked Saurav comfortably scored his brace. Quan Gomes scored the fourth in the 72nd minute with a direct free kick.
