Churchill bros trounce Air India 4-1, finish 4th in NFL

Margao, May 19 (UNI) Riding on fine braces by man of the match George Ekeh and Odafe Okolie, spirited Churchill Brothers trounced Air India, Mumbai 4-1 in a tie of the 11th edition of National Football League (NFL) championship, which was played at Nehru stadium Fatorda here today.

Churchill Brothers maintained its fourth place at the end of the 18th last round, with 29 points. They are below table topper Dempo with 36 points, followed by JCT (31 points) and Mahindra United (30 points) from equal number of matches.

Churchill Bothers' Okolie is the highest goal scorer with 18 goals. He is followed by Dempo's Renty Martin with 16 goals.

Churchill played a spirited game with emphasis on attack and surged ahead as early as in the 26th minute through George Ekeh off a well measured pass from Khanthang Paite to make it 1-0.

Churchill gained their lead in the 31st minute through Okolie, whose indirect free kick landed straight into the goal making it 2-0.

Inspired by two goals lead at the breather, Churchill continued their attack and pumped in two more goals in the 49th minute via Okolie, who after dodging past couple of rival defenders and goalkeeper banged into the net to make it 3-0.

George Ekeh scored his second goal in the 80th minute, off a pass from Okolie, making it 4-0.

Air India reduced the margin a minute before the whistle through Paresh Shivlankar (4-1).

At the end of the 18th round, Dempo tops the table with 36 points, followed by JCT with 31, Mahindra 30, Churchill Brothers 29, East Bengal 26, Sporting Club de Goa 25, Air India 21, Mohun Bagan 21, Md. Sporting 12 and HAL 10.

UNI