MARGAO
Churchill Bros-GFDC emerged champions in AIFF Under-15 Youth League after playing out a 1-1 draw with FC Goa at SAG ground, Utorda, on Wednesday. Churchill Bros colts were leading 1-0 at the breather.
According to Churchill Bros communique, Churchill Bros finished at the top with a tally of 17 points from eight matches (five wins, one loss and two draws). FC Goa had a tally of 16 points, the same like Dempo SC. FC Goa’s coach Gavin Araujo stated that since their head-to-head count against Dempo was superior, having beaten Dempo 3-1 while Dempo beat FC Goa 2-1, they finished second. Dempo had a superior goal difference of plus 10 while FC Goa had a difference of 8. Both Churchill Bros-GFDC and FC Goa have qualified for the inter-zonal to be played at Utorda and Nagoa grounds next.
Churchill colts started the game in an attacking mode and gave a scare to their rivals in the very 2nd minute when Bradley Carvalho unleashed a stiff shot that however, missed the target narrowly before rival defender Mevan Dias eventually thwarted the attempt with a good tackle.
At the other end, FC Goa were struggling to match their rival’s brisk pace. Churchill nearly tasted success when captain Harish Patre executed a free-kick that flew just over the crossbar.
Mevan Dias who atoned his earlier miss, headed home off an accurate floater from Harsh Patre. Spurred by the goal, Churchill upped the ante but Bradely shot wide from close range.
After resumption, FC Goa were more organised and raided the rival goal but without success in the initial period of the second half.
However, FC Goa soon came up with the equaliser when Tristan Fernandes’ shot saw rival goalkeeper Moin Manuri fail to read the flight of the ball and enter the goal.
With time running out, Churchill Bros made last-ditch efforts and nearly scored when Wellington Fernandes unleashed a shot, which was blocked by rival goalkeeper.
