Churchill, Raia Sporting, Vasco register wins

Margao, Sep 20 (UNI) Churchill Brothers hung on to a first-half injury minute goal to get the better of defending champions Dempo Sports Club and kept up their unbeaten race in the Hutch GFA Professional Football League championship match played here today.

Churchill, who had major share of exchanges in the first half, managed to scored the all important goal in the injury minute of the first half through Nigerian Odafa Okeye who headed in following a flag kick taken by Khanthang Paite.

Dempo made some desperate attempts for the equaliser in the second half but missed a couple of good chances before them.

In the other matches, Raia Sporting and Vasco Sports Club prevailed over former champions Salgaocar Sports Club and Corps of Signals by identical margins of 1-0 at Tilak Ground, Vasco, and Duler Ground, Mapusa, respectively.

For Raia, the goal came through Peter Pereira in the 65th minute when Santan D'Cruze, after collecting a pass from Joaquim Martin, unleashed a shot which Salgaocar goalkeeper failed to grab properly.

The ball slipped from his hand and defelected towards Peter Pereira who was lurking inside the goal. Peter Pereira pounced upon the opportunity and shot into the net.

For Vasco, the goal came through Alvito Rodriguese in the 39th minute of the first half.

With this win, Churchill Brothers maintained their second place with 18 points below table toppers Sporting Club de Goa with 19 points from eight outings each. Dempo and Salgaocar with 13 points each followed. Vasco Sports Club and Raia Sporting have 10 points each, Velsao Pale has 9 points while Corps of Signals has yet to open its account.

UNI SRN MAZ DH KN1934