Churchill rally to hold Salgaocar

An injury time goal by Bernard Pires helped Churchill Brothers to hold Salgaocar to a thrilling 3-3 draw and split points in the Hutch-sponsored Goa Football Association Professional League at Nehru stadium in Margao on Saturday.

Salgaocar, who held territorial advantage in the first half, went ahead in the 10th minute through Man of the Match Patrick Okanji, who tapped home a headed pass by Rochus Lamare.

But Churchill fought back and restored parity in the 23rd minute through Odafi Oneka who hoodwinked keeper Arjit Sengupta before slotting the ball into the net.

Salgaocar, again took the lead in the stoppage time of the first half when Milagres Gonsalves headed in a cross by Edison Sequeira.

The newlook Churchill gained the equaliser through Odafi Oneka in the 58th minute only to see Salgaocar once again taking the lead in the 74th minute through R C Prakash off a pass by Francis Andrade.

Churchill who played their hearts out in the dying minutes restored parity in the injury time when Bernard Pires snatched the ball from the middle, took a couple of defenders in his stride and beat rival keeper with a stiff grounder.

Salgaocar who are leading the table have 7 points from three matches while Churchill who have drawn all their three matches have three points.