Churchill pips JCT 1-0, avenges earlier defeat

Margao, Jan 26 (UNI) Title aspirant Churchill Brother hung on to a first half goal by Mboyo Iyomi to get better of JCT Mills Phagawara by 1-0 and gained full points to jump to the second spot in the ONGC I League championship match being played here at Nehru stadium Fatorda today.

The all-important goal for churchill came in the 10th minute of the first half through Mboyo Iyomi, which ultimately turned out to be the match winner and thus avenged the 0-3 defeat they suffered against JCT in the match at Ludhiana in the first leg.

With this win, Churchill moved to the second spot with 26 points from 13 outings below table topper Dempo Sports club with 27 points.

JCT was relegated to the third place with 25 points from as many matches.

Churchill's defender Robert Lalthamala was later adjudged the man of the match for his fine performance.

The millmen had few opportunities to equalise, especially in the second half but Churchill goalkeeper Vinay Singh who lad an outstanding berformance' saved atleast four good attempts by the JCT forwards.

Churchill got off to an aggressive start with strikers Odafa Okolie and Mboyo Iyomi threatening the JCT goal in the eighth minute. Odafa initiated a move and pass to Mboyo, whose attempted try sailed over the bar.

Two minutes later, Churchill drew first blood through Mboyo off a well measured pass from Odafa. Mboyo made amends for his earlier lapse.

Stung by an early debacle, the millmen accelerated the pace of their game and had a chance to equalise in the 15th minute of the first half but Eduwardo Escobar's direct free kick hit the goal post and went wide.

In the injury minute of the first half, JCT's Marcos Pereira sent a good pass to Eduwardo whose attempted shot was well saved by Churchill Goalkeeper Vinay Singh.

The millmen continued to attack in the second half too and had almost equalised in the 47th minute when Eduwardo initiated a move and pass to Chetri whose carpet drive shot was beautifully saved by rival goalkeeper Vinay Singh, who dived to his left and pushed to the ball to an abortive corner.

JCT were further frustrated in the 74 th minute when Churchill Goalkpper Vinay Singh brought off yet another good save of a try from Eduwardo.

UNI SRN SR SKB AB RN2010