Salgaocar outplay Churchill 3-0

Margao: Defending champions Salgaocar played with determination and zeal to outplay Churchill Brothers 3-0 in a 16th round I-League derby clash at the Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.

Goals from Isfaq Ahmed (30th), Edeh Chidi (34th) and Ryuji Sueoka (84th) helped Salgaocar score their sixth consecutive win and move up the ladder with 28 points from 16 matches.

Churchill Brothers remained on 29 points from 15 matches.

Salgaocar started aggressively and penetrated into the rival goals with a series of moves.

Salgaocar's midfield put up a solid performance with Man-of-the-Match Tomba Singh spearheading the attack.

Ryuji Sueoka had the first chance to put his team ahead but his chip from an acute angle was put out of danger by rival keeper Felix D'Souza.

Churchill Brothers coach Manuel Gomes played Roberto Silva and the move back-fired as their midfield failed to function in the absence of injured Lalrindika Ralte, which saw the rivals dominating the proceedings.

Churchill had a couple of clear chances to take the lead but their strikers once again fumbled in front of the goal as they failed to get past Salgaocar keeper Karanjit Singh, who made saves from Roberto Silva and ND Opara.

Churchill Brothers conceded two goals within a span of four minutes.

A swift move from the middle saw Tomba Singh send a forward pass which rival defenders delayed to intercept.

Ishfaq Ahmed ran and won the ball beating a defender before sending the ball to the far corner of the net.