Margao: Churchill Brothers ended Dempo’s dream run of seven straight wins as they overcame a second half challenge to edge past the city rivals 2-1 in an eighth round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.
Dempo coach Armando Colaco’s worst fears that his team would lose the game against Churchill after missing seven regular players, who are on national duty in the ongoing SAFF Championships in Delhi, came true.
Dempo, who played the match under protest, came back strongly in the second half but missed at least three clear chances before finding the net in the third minute of the second half stoppage time.
Churchill, who also missed three regular players — Steven Dias, Gourmangi Singh and Lalrindika — played an attacking game and took the lead through a controversial goal in the 22nd minute when defender Antun Matthew Kovacic essayed a volley from inside the box off a flag kick taken by Roberto Silva.
Rival keeper Laxmikant Kattimani dived and blocked the fierce shot on the goal line and collected the ball off the second attempt before the ball could cross the line.
But referee Pratap Singh, who was near the post, awarded the goal in favour of Churchill Brothers after assistant referee pointed the flag towards the centre line.
Churchill increased their tally in the stoppage time of the first half.
Dempo, who suffered their first defeat, remained at the top with 21 points from eight matches, while Churchill moved to second spot with 17 points replacing Mohun Bagan, who are one point behind them. “Inspite of missing seven players our boys played well especially in the second half,” Dempo coach said. (PTI)