Sporting Clube walk past Churchill

Sporting Clube de Goa defeated Churchill Brothers 2-1 in Kingfisher Professional League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Thursday. Sporting led 2-0 at the break.  Sporting Clube dictated terms from the start, holding an upper hand in the midfield and remaining solid as a rock in the defence.

It was Churchill who missed the first opportunity when midfielder Lenny Rodrigues’ shot went over the crossbar from handshaking distance. Later, Warun Deep headed out off a cross fed by Robert Lalthlamuana from the left.

Thereafter, Sporting Clube had a chance to rise up but Jovel Martins’ smart header kissed the crossbar much to the disappointment of their bench.

Sporting Clube finally found the mark through a spot kick in the 35th minute through Keita Boubacar off a penalty. Hardworking midfielder Adil Khan’s cross was handled by Churchill’s defender Warun inside the penalty box and referee Jose Dias pointed to the dreaded spot. Keita fired low to the right of Lalit Thapa.

A minute later, Sporting Clube doubled the lead when midfielder Adil picked up the ball from his own half and unleashed a left footer which beat the advancing Churchill keeper. Having tasted success, Sporting Clube continued to hunt for more goals and with Churchill also in search of goals, there was plenty of action.

Churchill missed a good opportunity when substitute Jaison Valles’ rasping drive hit the crossbar much to the dismay of their supporters.

Crossing over, Churchill had a couple of excellent chances to get back and their efforts bore fruit in the 75th minute when substitute Vimal Pariyar gently tapped it in.  Spurred by the reducer, Churchill pulled on tremendous pressure in the rival citadel but Sporting Clube keeper Gerald D’Mello was too good in blocking the free kick taken by Robert Lalthlamuana.

Again Churchill were unlucky when Jaison Valles’ rasping volley kissed the crossbar.  With this win, Sporting Clube finished their engagements with 26 points from 14 matches while Churchill Brothers have 22 points from the same number of encounters.