Churchill snatch late winner

Uzbek striker Igor Shkvrin scored the match-winner in the dying moments of the game as Zee Churchill Brothers pipped local challengers Indian Telephone Industries 2-1 in the National Football League, in Bangalore, on Tuesday.

After a barren first half, ITI, who were without their key players, shot into the lead in the 11th minute through a fine goal from Gyana Prakash. Fifteen minutes later, Francis Silveira scored the equaliser.

But just when a draw looked imminent, Igor came up with the match-winner.

Churchill Brothers had beaten ITI by a similar margin in the first leg at Goa.

With this victory, Churchill have 25 points from 16 matches, having won seven and drawn four. ITI have 15 points, with three wins, all at home, and six draws.

ITI, without the services of George Ikeh, K V Dhanesh and goalkeeper R Balaji, should blame themselves for allowing the Goan team to earn full points. A lapse by goalkeeper Mark Mascarenhas and defender Harvinder Pal allowed Igor to move in and score the match-winner.

ITI opened the scoring through Gyana Prakash, who drove home from 25 yards, giving Churchill goalkeeper Edward Ansha no chance whatsoever.

Thereafter, the Goans went on the offensive. Francis Silveira, who was guilty of missing two scoring opportunities in a spell of ten minutes, scored the equaliser in a fine fashion. He neatly chested a lob from Roque Baretto and volleyed home.

With seconds left for the final hooter, Igor mounted an attack from the right flank. On seeing him move in, Mascarenhas charged out to intercept but the it rebounded off him as Igor attempted place it into the goal. However, the Uzbek striker showed great presence of mind, recovered ground and tapped home as defender Harvinder Lal watched helplessly.