JCT holds Churchill Brothers to 1-1 draw

Margao, Nov 2 (UNI) JCT rallied to hold spirited Churchill Brothers to 1-1 draw and shared points in the ONGC I-League Championship match being played here at Nehru stadium Fatorda, today.

Odafe Okolie scored in the 27th minute for Churchill, while substitute Amandeep equalised in the 48th minute for JCT.

Dempo could have won the outright had not they squandered few winning opportunites before them in both the halves but had to be content on 1-1 draw.

Churchill, with this drawn match, maintained their second place with 11 points from five outings with three wins and two draw. While JCT incresed their points tally to 9 points from six outings.

In a fast pace first half, though JCT came with a first good move as early as in the 10th minute of the first half when Daljit Singh intiated a move and pass to Balwant Singh, but Churhill defender Govin Singh timely cleared the ball before causing any damage to the goal.

After this Churchill took over and made series of attack on the rival citadel. Churchill came near scoring in the 17th minute when Genius Zeneth from the left flank pass to Felix Chimao who in quick succesion pass to better placed Khaintang Paite whose feeble shot landed straight into the hands of the rival goalkeeper Karanjit Singh.

Churchill shot into the lead in the 27th minute through Odafe Okolie whose header found the net off a cross pass from the left flank by Felix.

Churchilll could have increased their lead a minute before the breather but Odafe's header sailed over the bar it was a floating cross pass by Genius Zenith.

After cross over, JCT played with renewed vigour and restored parity in the 48th minute through substitute Amandeep who came in the place of Baldeep Singh(Jr), scored a goal to make the score 1-1.

Churchill could have consolidated their lead in the 53rd minute, had not Odafe's direct free kick was fisted over by goalkeeper Karanjit Singh for an a corner.

Towards close of the play, Churchill came with three splendid opportunities to increase their lead but Rival defenders saved all their attempts .

In the injury minute of the second half, Churchill had one more chance to score but Odafe's header missed the mark.

Churchill Brother's Kalu Obga was today adjudged the man of the match for his fine performance.

UNI SRN AB BST1926