Churchill blank HAL 3-0

Margao, Jan 14 (PTI) Churchill Brothers today scored aconvincing 3-0 win over HAL in the ninth round I-League matchat the Nehru Stadium here today.

Churchill Brothers, who held a major share of exchanges,scored through Binesh Balan (50th), Zakeer Mundampara (58th)and Kayne Vincent (86th).

Man of the match Zakeer Mundampara combined well withLenny Rodrigues in the midfield and with good support from theflank by Balan, kept the upfront busy with a series of�movesbut their strikers lacked the fire power to score and theabsence of Odafe Okolie was felt.

HAL keeper P Pramod''s timely intervention deniedChurchill Brothers an early lead and the hosts had to waittill the second half to break the deadlock.

Balan, who worked hard on the right flank broke throughthe rival defense on the right and on entering the box essayeda firm right footer that beat keeper Pramod all ends.

A minute later, Kayne could have added to the scoresheetbut his well directed header went over the bar off a crossfrom Ismail Gurung.

HAL had a good chance to equalise in the 53rd minute butR C Prakash''s shot was put out to safety by keeper Lalit Thapaoff a pass from Jagaba Amaba.

Churchill continued to put the pressure on the rivaldefence and increased the lead in the 58th minute.

Durga Boro picked a long pass from Denzil Franco, racedon the right flank and sent a perfect square pass to ZakeerMundampara who after collecting the ball sent an angular shotthat found the back of the net. More PTI MCS VKV AT