Churchill Bros beat Chirag United

Churchill Brothers, reduced to 10 men in the second half, downed Chirag United 2-0 to move to the top of the points table after their eighth round I-League match at Nehru Stadium in Margao on Friday.

Churchill, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through Ogba Kalu Nnanna (5th) and Odafe Okolie (65th).

They now have 16 points from eight matches, one point ahead of Dempo Sports Club and Chirag, who have 15 points each, from as many ties.

The hosts took an early lead but lost their way as the visitors started dictating terms in the midfield.

Chirag had a couple of clear chances to equalise in the first half but their forwards lacked direction and sharpness in the absence of key player Emilson Marques.

Nnanna put Churchill ahead in the 5th minute when he headed home a cross from Khan Thang Paite from the left. But the visitors slowly took control of the proceedings and made a couple of moves. S Malsawmtluanga came close to find the equaliser but the goalkeeper thwarted his move.

Chirag kept on pressing for parity and had the best chance in the dying minutes of the first half when a cross from the left by Dhanarajan R into the box was headed out by substitute P C Lalawmpuia.

Okolie also had a few chances to score but missed. Churchill were reduced to ten men in the 51st minute when Nascimento Silveira got the marching orders from referee Mohammed Kamil for hitting rival Jayant Sen on the face.

The visitors, however, failed to take advantage of the situation and even allowed Churchill to increase the lead in the 65th minute.

Defender Robert Lalthlamuana gave a diagonal pass to Okolie, who took rival defenders Arnab Mondal and Edwardo Chacon in his stride and essayed the second goal and earn the man of the match award.

The visitors had the last chance to pull one back in the dying minutes but Lalawmpuia's shot sailed inches over the bar.