JOIN USChurchill Brothers Sports Club continued their fine run in the I-League, scoring a goal in each half to get the better of United Sikkim 2-1 at the Duler Stadium here on Sunday.
The win helped Churchill Brothers take their points tally to 34 from 14 matches and enjoy a clear four-point lead at the top of the table with a match in hand against East Bengal, who are placed second with 30 points.
Roberto Mendes Da Silva scored the opening goal for Churchill Brothers in the fourth minute while a second-half penalty from Henri Arnaud made it 2-0 in the 71st minute.
American striker John Lada Matkin, making his debut for United Sikkim, pulled one back for the visitors in the 77th minute.
Churchill did not exert themselves and took the lead in the fourth minute through Roberto Mendes when he headed home a flag kick taken by Steven Dias.
Dias came up with two more good moves but Roberto’s attempt was muffled and then Henri’s header from close was saved by Sikkim goalkeeper Monotosh Ghosh.
In the second session, Churchill continued with their ball possession, but it was not until the 71st minute that they could add to their tally.
Denzil Franco made a fine run inside the Sikkim box and was fouled by Safar Sardar, prompting the referee to point at the spot.
Henri stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-0. Sikkim sensed a chance to take something out of the match when John Matkim scored after cutting past Israel Gurung and Lenny Rodrigues in the 77th minute. The visitors tried to find the equaliser thereafter but Churchill’s defence stood firm.
East Bengal beat Mumbai
In Kolkata, goals from Edeh Chidi and Lalrindika Ralte spurred East Bengal to a 2-0 win over Mumbai FC.
Chidi gave the home team the early lead when he struck in the 11th minute and Ralte’s wonder strike from 25 yards in the 53rd minute sealed the match for East Bengal.
In Shillong, defending champions Dempo FC settled for a goalless draw with Shillong Lajong FC at JN Stadium.
It was the home side that had several chances to convert but the absence of striker Sushil Singh left them with no option but to fight for a draw.