Churchill looking to bounce back against Bagan

Duler: Churchill Brothers, who lost their opening match against Salgaocar, would be looking to bounce back when they take on Mohun Bagan at Duler Stadium in Mapusa tomorrow.

Churchill, which lost to Dempo in the opening match last season but went on to win the I-League title, would be looking to collect full points against Bagan. They look much more positive as evident during their training session at Chowgule College ground, yesterday. Due to injuries to key players like Hugo Machado, Denzil Franco and Henry, the team failed to put up a collective performance against Salgaocar and lost 0-1. Keeper Arindam Bhattacharya did well to bring out good saves but loss of concentration saw him spill an aerial ball which Salgaocar`s Darryl Duffy slammed into the net. Coach Mariano Dias is confident that his boys will bounce back. With some first team regulars being injured there is some concern whether they will be fit on time but Technical Director Sukhwinder Singh played down the matter. "Hugo Machado is still doubtful to start due to an injury but Henry Anchouet will be back as he is fit now, so the team is hopeful... Ahmad Al Kaddour will deliver in the game along with Syrian striker against Mohun Bagan," Singh said. National team regular, Denzil Franco, who had a long lay off due to his ankle injury, is expected to play tomorrow as he was seen practicing with his team mates. "I am excited to be back in action after a long lay off due to the injury and playing against Mohun Bagan is always a motivating factor as the two teams have always played tough games in the past... And I am sure it will be the same on Saturday," Franco said. Mohun Bagan will be coming into the match with confidence after playing a draw in their opening game against Bangaluru FC. PTI