Goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya's lapse allowed Mumbai FC to come from behind and hold Churchill brothers to an exciting 2-2 draw in the ONGC I-League match, played at Nehru Stadium in Margao on Saturday.
Mumbai FC held initial forays as they took the lead in the 10th minute through Abhishek Yadav. The lead was later neutralised by Odafe Okolie in the 20th minute as both the teams led 1-1 at half time.
Churchill Bros who had a major share of exchanges in the second half went ahead in the 70th minute through Reisangmi Vashum as his goal-bound cross from the right deflected rival defender Sanjay Parte and eluded keeper Kalyan Chaubey to find the far post.
Mumbai FC showed the fighting spirit as they equalised five minutes later through a soft goal. Following a flag kick, Wilson floated the ball into the box. Keeper Arindam Bhattacharya charged out to collect the aerial ball but failed to hold it as the ball popped out from his hand and an unmarked Kulothungan shot it into the empty net from the top of the box.
The draw took Churchill Bros to 13 points from 8 matches. Mumbai FC have collected 11 points from as many matches.
Both the teams played the game at fast pace. Mumbai FC who raised their game this time showed the fighting spirit which lacked against Sporting Clube de Goa, when they played last here.
Churchill Bros coach Zoran Djordjevic was disappointed with the draw. "Our boys failed to convert scoring chances and also our defense fumbled at crucial juncture which has led to the draw," he said.
On the other hand Mumbai FC coach David Booth was satisfied with the result. "It was a big match and our boys showed fighting spirit when the chips were down. In the end it was a good draw," said Booth.
