Churchill Bros played an unimpressive game but were held to a goalless draw by Tollygunge Agragami in an 8th National Football League match, at the Nehru Stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Monday.
In a match devoid of any thrills, play was mostly confined to the midfield. Tollygunge showed a lot of promise in the initial stages. Jiten Rai and Akeem Abolanle played in tandem to put the rival defence under pressure, but failed to enter the Churchill box as Osumanu played an outstanding game and did not allow any space for Akeem to operate.
Churchill's Yusif Yakubu, who was their inspiration upfront did manage to score once midway in the first-half but referee Arjunan pulled him up for an infringement. Later, he set Kingley inside the box, but the latter shot over.
After the change of ends, Churchill showed urgency in their attack and had the rival defence under pressure in the last quarter.
They had a glorious chance to score when substitute Francis Afonso, from the right, sent a cross to unmarked Ratan, who failed to connect.
Churchill Bros coach Marcus Pacheco was disappointed with his midfield, which lacked co-ordination.
"We lost the ball more on square passes against Tollygunge, who played better. We have lost the home advantage and gifted two points," he said.
Tollygunge coach Krishnendu Roy was happy with his side's performance. "Our boys struck to our plan with man to man marking and we are happy to gain one point which was the strategy," he said.