Churchill beat Shillong Lajong

Margao: Musli Power Churchill Brothers held on gamely to their first half goal when they got the

better of fighting Shillong Lajong by a solitary goal win to close the gap at the top in the 20th round of the I-League, played at Nehru stadium, Fatorda, Margao. Churchill who held better exchanges and scoring opportunities in the first half scored the all important goal in the 42nd minute through Odafe Okolie to top the scoring chart with 16 goals. Churchill now collected 32 points to move to third place from 19 matches. While, Shillong lajong remained on 21 points from 20 matches. Both the teams were evenly poised in the first half. Churchill brothers who held territorial advantage had the first chance to surge ahead in the 6th minute when a combined move between Felix Chimaokwu and Odafe Okolie saw the former shot deflected a defender and went out. After a brief midfield tussle, Shillong who matched their fancy rivals well made a counter move and had a good chance to take lead but James Gbillee shot out off a cross from Aibor khongjee. Churchill who enjoyed midfield superiority nearly scored when defender Gouramangi Moirangthem`s long ranger, which had a power in it, was punched by rival keeper R Lalthuammawia, the ball deflected the cross bar and off the rebound Felix weak effort was collected by the keeper. PTI