I-League: Churchill Brothers win 3-1 against Mohammedan Sporting

Defending champions Churchill Brothers SC defeated Mohammedan Sporting Club 3-1 for only their second victory in the I-League at the Duler ground in Mapusa on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Lenny Rodrigues (51st minute), Jaison Vales (71st), and Balwant Singh (74th, penalty) helped Churchill Brothers take their points tally to 10 from 13 matches, and although they continue to be at the bottom of the table, the difference between them and atleast two others above the relegation zone is just three points. Captain Asim Biswas (86th) scored the consolation goal for Mohammedan Sporting.

On the evidence of their performance against Mohammedan Sporting, Churchill Brothers need not panic. Playing with just one foreign player in Egyptian midfielder Abdel Hamed Shabana, Churchill Brothers showed rare fluidity to their game.

There was no score during the opening 45 minutes but Churchill Brothers were clearly the better side as they kept the ball, creating chances and making life difficult for the rival defence. The only thing missing were the goals. Balwant, for example, had two good opportunities to open the account but could not provide the finishing touches. Mohammedan Sporting were poor in attack and had just one shot on goal in the first half, a rather poor attempt from Asim Biswas.

Churchill Brothers turned the tables on their rivals in the second session with India midfielder Lenny Rodrigues opening the account in the 51st minute with a rasping long ranger that was destined for goal the moment it left his boots. Luis Barreto under the Mohammedan goal had no chance. Churchill Brothers extended their lead in the 71st minute as Mohammedan Sporting showed signs of running out of steam. A nicely worked move between Shabana and Balwant saw the latter wait for substitute Jaison to make a run and then finish with an impressive chip over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Churchill Brothers had done enough to register their second victory but they were not done just yet. Shabana, playing a good game, pounced on a long ball from his own area and was darting towards the goal when he was pulled down by Rakesh Masih. Referee A. Rowan spotted the infringement and promptly pointed at the spot and Masih was sent off for the offence, reducing Mohammedan Sporting to ten men. Balwant scored of the resultant penalty.

Mohammedan Sporting playing a man less still tried to make a match out of it. Substitute Israil Gurung flicked a ball to Ashim Biswas inside the area and the latter finished off with comparative ease in the 86th minute. It proved to be a mere consolation for Mohammedan Sporting in the end.