FC Kochin hold Churchill with late goal

Goan league champion Zee Churchill Brothers held FC Kochin, Kerala to a one-all draw in the national football league match on Sunday.

Enjoying a clear edge in the first session, Churchill shot into the lead in the 34th minute through medio Rajesh Meetei.

Taking possession inside the box, Meetei took his own time before banging the ball into the net, beating keeper Ali Abubaker.

The second half saw the local outfit taking control of the proceedings and making a steady flow of forays into the rival goalmouth.

The equaliser came in the 84th minute when Liberian Josiah Seton, after a solo run from the middle, lobbed the ball over the advancing Churchill keeper Edward Ansah much to the delight of the holiday crowd.

FC Kochin missed a golden opportunity to score the equliser earlier when striker V P Shaji's fierce left-footer from the left flank hit the far post and went out.

Kochin continued to hold sway and the strong Churchill defence melted under pressure. But the local team fumbled at crucial junctures by coming up with either feeble shots or being allowed to be intercepted by rivals.

With this match, FC Kochi have increased their points tally to six (one win, three draw and two loss) from as many matches while Churchill have nine (two wins, three draws and two loss) from six matches.

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