I-League title contenders Churchill Brothers face Salgaocar challenge

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC are keen to put last Saturday's ONGC draw disappointment behind them and turn the screws on title-challengers East Bengal Club as the Goans are two points ahead of their Kolkata rivals in the I-League title race and have a match in hand.

"ONGC was a disappointment because we could have so easily won the match. We missed too many chances and their goalkeeper brought some incredible saves of Beto in the closing stages of the match," said Churchill Brothers' Technical Director Subhas Bhowmick.

Churchill Brothers face Salgaocar FC at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa on Wednesday and should they manage a win, Bhowmick is confident that the title is then theirs to lose.

"Five points lead with five matches to be played is advantageous. It will put us in the driver's seat," said Bhowmick.

Churchill Brothers had scored a narrow last-minute victory against Salgaocar FC in the first-leg but Bhowmick himself admits Wednesday's battle will be far more difficult because David Booth's side is now completely transformed.

"Salgaocar are a tough team. They have rebuilt their side and are now as good as anyone else in the competition. We have to be at the top of our game," said Bhowmick.

Salgaocar's nerves have been calmed with a solitary goal victory over Mumbai FC in the last game but they still need some more points under their belt to be completely sure of avoiding relegation. Salgaocar are currently placed ninth with 23 points from 21 matches.

Salgaocar FC will be happy to welcome goalkeeper Karanjit Singh back into the squad after he served a one-match suspension following a red-card against Sporting Clube de Goa, but Brazilian striker Josimar Martins da Silva remains suspended.