Fernandes, Lalremruata net once in their 2-1 win
Raia: Churchill Brothers tightened their grip on the I-League summit with a commanding 2-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the Raia Ground in Goa on Friday. The win propelled them to 26 points from 13 matches, maintaining a two-point lead over second-placed Namdhari FC, who play Shillong Lajong on Saturday.
Despite a late consolation goal from M Soosairaj in stoppage time, Gokulam Kerala suffered their second consecutive defeat, leaving them stuck in sixth place with 19 points. The visitors struggled to impose themselves, managing just two shots on target in a frustrating outing.
Churchill Brothers, one of the most prolific attacking sides this season, took their goal tally to 26 as they dictated play from the start. Their relentless pressing and quick-passing game kept Gokulam on the back foot, with forwards Sebastian Gutierrez and Wayde Lekay posing a constant threat. Lekay, the league’s joint second top scorer with nine goals, struck the woodwork but was unable to add to his tally. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Lalremruata Ralte’s free-kick took a wicked deflection off Gokulam Kerala’s Sergio Llamas, wrong-footing goalkeeper Shibin Raj Kunniyil and nestling into the net. Churchill continued their dominance, forcing Kunniyil into multiple saves as they pressed for a second.
Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Kingslee Fernandes doubled the lead. Set up by Gutierrez, Fernandes weaved past a defender before slotting the ball through the legs of Salam Ranjan Singh, effectively sealing the result.
Gokulam Kerala’s late fightback saw Soosairaj’s deflected strike find the net, but it was too little, too late. Churchill Brothers’ eighth win of the season reinforced their title credentials as they look to extend their lead at the top.
