Churchill score first victory

After an unispiring first-half, Goa giants Churchill Brothers scored two late goals to down Bangalore's Indian Telephone Industries 2-0 and register their first victory in the seventh National Football League at the Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Monday.

After a barren first-half, Churchill opened their account in the 80th minute through striker Yusif Yakubu before Roque Baretto consolidated on the lead five minutes later.

The victory enabled Churchill swell their points' tally to seven points from six matches, while ITI remain at bottom with two points from as many matches.

Both the teams played a listless game in the first-half but showed urgency in their attack in the second. The Churchill goal had a close shave on three occasions but keeper Edward Ansah denied Ali Hassan, Najeeb and substitute Niaz Rehaman from scoring.

After these close shaves, Churchill shot into the lead when a move by substitute Francis Coelho from the right relayed the ball to Roque Baretto, who sent a measured cross to Yakubu, who headed home.

Five minutes later, Yakubu himself set up Baretto inside the box. The last-named eluded defender Dhanesh and uncorked a left-footer that found the far end of the net.