Goa Pro League: Churchill Brothers, Manora share spoils

The teams played out a four-goal thriller.

Churchill Brothers and Youth Club of Manora shared the spoils in four-goal thriller in the Goa Pro League, at Rosary Ground, Navelim on Tuesday.

Churchill Bros were first to take the lead through Anford Fernandes in the 37th minute. Manora came back strongly in the second half and scored two goals through Aniston Fernandes (69’) and Sweden Barbosa (71’). However Myron Mendes got the equaliser for Churchill Bros in the 90th minute.

Youth Club of Manora started brightly and had couple of chances early in the game. Nicholas Fernandes’ presence created trouble for Churchill Brothers as they had to absorb early pressure. Nicholas sent in a delivery to Melisho, who missed a simple tap in as his attempt narrowly missed the mark while his earlier shot was easily saved BY the keeper.

Manora had themselves to be blamed as theydid create chances, but it was their poor striking upfront which failed them to get the much needed breakthrough.

At the other end, Churchill Brothers also missed couple of chances before they finally got a goal in the 37th minute through Anford Fernandes, who brilliantly connected with a half volley to a Asif’s pass.Nicholas kept trying to get the equaliser but the Red Machines’ keeper was equal to the task to push his shot for a corner.

In the second half, the match was restricted to midfield battle as the teams took time to settle in. With Churchill Brothers playing more of a direct game, Manora were good enough to stop their attack.

Finding it difficult to penetrate, Churchill Bros opted for long ball and during one such raid, they nearly got the goal when Asif was set through on goal but Manora goalkeeper Luis Barreto came rushing to collect the ball before the Red Machines striker could get to the ball.

Finally in the 69th minute Manora got the equaliser and it came from a set piece. Aniston Fernandes sent in a curling freekick which the Churchill keeper managed to get the touch, but the ball ended in the goal.

Hardly had the joys settled down, Manora scored their second in the 71st minute which came from a quick attack. Once again it was Aniston who was instrumental in build up as he whipped in a delivery from the right, which was headed in by Joywin Carneiro, however the latter’s header came off the crossbar back into the play. But the rebound fell to Sweden Barbosa who was in the right place at right time to push the ball past the helpless Churchill Bros keeper.

In the closing stages of the game, Churchill Brothers came with a counter attack from the left. Yagya Kapoor ran down the left flank and sent in a cross in the box which was met by Shubert whose first time shot was brilliantly saved by Manora custodian Luis.

However, Churchill Brothers finally managed to score the equaliser in the 90th minute and it was a gem of a goal scored by Myron Mendes, who curled the ball at the far post from inside the box which gave no chance for the rival keeper.

At the other end, Nicholas saw another of his effort being denied but this time by the post.

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