Goa Pro League: Churchill Brothers pip Panjim Footballers

The only goal of the match was scored in the first session by Rakesh Das.

Churchill Brothers Sports Club registered a solitary goal win over Panjim Footballers in the Goa Pro League match played at Duler Stadium on Wednesday.

The only goal of the match was scored in the first session by Rakesh Das to help his side secure a first win of the league.The match started with end-to-end affairs where both the sides tried to penetrate opponents' cathedral from the word go but everytime failed in the final third.

The Capital City side were the first to come close to scoring in the 15th minute when Lokesh Kumar made a swift run dribbling past a defender and tried to find his teammate Joyson Gauncar with a dangerous ball but Churchill keeper Debnath Mondal timely step forward to collect the ball before the striker could do any damage to his side.

The Red Machines quickly replied them with a swift attack where Panjim conceded a corner. Rakesh sent a floater to Rajender Bairola in the box but the defender failed to keep his header on target.

At the other end, Panjim came with another potent chance as this time Liston Cardozo made a long diagonal pass to well-positioned Joyson in the box but the forward could not control the ball as Churchill custodian Debnath made an easy collection.

Though Panjim were more potent with their attacks, it was Churchill who found the net in the the 41st minute as Mohammed Shahsad made brilliant footwork in the midfield but before he could find his teammate, Panjim defender Akram Yadwad made the interception as the ball rolled to unmarked Rakesh who kept his composure in a one-on-one situation with Panjim keeper Preston before finishing it in the back of the nylons.

Panjim refuse to give up and came with series of attacks after crossing the ends and in one of the them, they almost found the equaliser when Vallmiky Miranda sent a powerful shot from the top of the box but Churchill keeper Debnath made a diving effort to keep his side safe. The Red Machines' keeper came with another breathtaking save as this time he pushed a Akash Sanadi's long ranger for a corner.

Panjim saw their another opportunity in vain at the hour mark as Liston Cardozo dribbled past two opponents to enter the box and squared the ball to Joyson who went for the glory from the first-time shot, only to see it block by Churchill defender Tipanna Bhavikatti.

A few minutes later, Joyson wasted another great opportunity to put his side on equal terms as once again Liston came with a perfect cross to the striker at his feet but the lad shot over the crossbar with just Churchill keeper Debnath at the stake.

Despite a dominant side in the entire match, Panjim could not find the net. Whereas, Churchill scored from their only potent chance of the match and secured a first three points of the season.

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