GPL 2019-20: Churchill Brothers fight back for victory at Corps of Signals

Ankit Singh had given the hosts a lead in the first half.

Two goals in the final quarter of the match saw Churchill Brothers FC register a hard fought 2-1 win over Corps of Signals in the Goa Football Association Goa Professional League at 3 MTR ground, Navelim, on Wednesday. The Red Machines scored through Clencio Pinto (74’) and Israil Gurung (75’) while Ankit Singh (33’) had given Corps of Signals the first half lead. Churchill Brothers FC are now on 29 points from 13 games and Corps of Signals are on 14 points from 17 matches. At half hour mark, Corps of Signals took a surprise lead when Churchill Brothers’ keeper James Kithan failed to control a long ball and his bad touch cost him the goal as Ankit capitalised on the lapse and gave his side a surprise lead. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Churchill Brothers attacked but there were no clear cut chances created in the game at the other end, Corps of Signals capitalised on the only real chance they had in the first 45 minutes. Crossing over, Churchill Brothers SC started gaining momentum as the inclusion of Quan Gomes, Israil Gurung and Kivi Zhimomi changed the game plan for the Red Machines, who looked much better in the second half as compared to their first half performance. After a constant pressing, Churchill Brothers FC managed to restore parity with a sublime finish and equally brilliant move. Quan Gomes played a long ball to Wendel who dribbled Corps of Signals defender and played to Kivi upfront and the latter played a one touch pass to Clencio Pinto, who coolly scored past the Signals keeper Binu Purushothaman. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Hardly had the joys settled down, Churchill Brothers initiated another similar move when Quan Gomes played Clencio through on goal but the former Salgaocar FC player was brought down just outside the box by Signals last man Paul Victor and referee just fully flashed a straight red card to Corps of Signals skipper. From the resultant free-kick, Israil Gurung, the set piece taker for Churchill Brothers, curled in a brilliant freekick to give his side the lead in the 75th minute which proved to be the match-winner. Churchill had numerous chances in the second session however, Meldon and Kivi missed great scoring opportunities while Israil Gurung fumbled with a simple tap-in.