Churchill score over Salgaocar

Defending champions Zee Churchill kept their reputation intact as they brushed aside the challenge of traditional rivals Salgaocar, winning by a solitary goal in the seventh round, in the second leg of the Goa Professional football league at the Nehru stadium, in Fatorda, Goa, today.

The all-important goal for the winners came in the 18th minute of the first half through Rajesh Meetei.

With this win, title aspirants Churchill took their tally to 16 points to stay on the top of the league table with five wins, one draw and a defeat, while Salgaocar remained in third spot with ten points from three wins, a draw and two defeats below second place Dempo, who have 11 points.

In the first leg, Churchill had defeated Salgaocar 3-0.

Churchill, who dominated the first half, shot into the lead as early as in the 18th minute through Meetei. They could have consolidated their lead in the 30th minute but Salgaocar goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey brilliantly fisted over the power-packed shot from the penalty zone by Abdul Saley off a pass from Ratan Singh.

After breather Salgaocar were more with the ball and could have restored the parity had they utilised the gilt edged opportunities before them.

In the 58th minute Alvito D'Cunha missed a sitter by a whisker off Jatin Bhist long ranger pass. Then, in the 65th minute, Sunday Seah dodged past couple of rival defenders and sent a cross to Alex Ambros but Churchill goalkeeper Edward Ansha was quick enough to grab the ball before Ambrose could do any damage.