Churchill ends Mahindra's undefeated run

Two stunning drives in each half by medios Noel Wilson and Roque Barretto ended Mahindra's unbeaten dream run and enabled Goa's league champions Zee Churchill to carve out a 2-1 victory in a National football league match on Friday.

Zee Churchill, who held territorial advantage and better scoring chances in the first half, drew first blood in the 4th minute when a 40-yard long ranger left keeper Virender Singh surprised as the ball struck the left upright before finding the net.

They increased the lead in the 61st minute when Roque Barretto after getting the ball in the middle from Yakub, dribbled past two defenders and essayed a rasping left footer that beat Virender to his right to find the far post.

Zee Churchill could have won by a bigger margin had their strikers utilised the close chances that came their way in both the sessions.

Mahindras, who failed to find their bearings in the first half, came back strongly in the second half and reduced the margin through a penalty taken by Khalid Jamil after substitute Raman Vijayan was bought down by defender Osumanu Husseini inside the box.

Mahindras went all out in the closing stages in search of the equaliser but the rival defence led by Osumanu and Mahesh Gowali gave nothing away.

Zee Churchill now join Salgaocar, Mahindras and Vasco who have 12 points from seven matches. They are placed second after Salgaocar on account of better goal difference and are followed by Mahindras and Vasco.

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