Churchill ride Beto brace to beat Lajong 2-0

Shillong: Brazilian striker Beto scored a brace to help Churchill Brothers beat hosts Shillong Lajong in the 15th round of the I-League at the JN Sports Complex on Wednesday.

Playing before a packed stadium on a newly-laid turf, Churchill put in a brilliant performance. They dominated for most part of the first half and netted their first goal in the 34th minute from the penalty spot, when Lajong skipper Zenith Mashangva handled the ball inside the box, to which Beto made no mistake to place the ball inside the net.

In the 44th minute, Goan custodian Felix d'Souza made a great save when he beautifully flicked off Eugenson Lyngdoh's shot from the corner.

Changing sides, Lajong created a few chances to level the score but their strikers were not up to the mark. Lyngdoh played well but missed several opportunities. He missed at least three clear chances.

In the 78th minute Roberto completed his brace with a header to give Churchill a 2-0 win over the local favourites. He was adjudged Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

It was Shillong Lajong's first loss at home. They clearly missed the services of two key players - John Menyongar and Lalramluaha - who were shown yellow cards in their last match against Air India at Pune.

With this win, Churchill, who lost to Mohun Bagan 3-2 at home in their last match, now have 29 points from 14 matches while Lajong stay at 17 points from 15 outings.

Churchill coach Manuel Gomez said, "We had a good match, we had a good crowd and a good turf. We played fast and confidently while they missed too much."

Gomez said his boys got the much-needed "boost" after they converted the penalty.

Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy, on the other hand, said his side missed key players and that cost them the game.

"We need good players to play against a top team (like Churchill). We missed John and Lalramluaha," Reddy pointed out.

He admitted his side's midfield was totally in shambles. "We lack creativity in the mid-field. I hope we complete the signing of 25-year-old Australian Mayora Matthew (before our next match) to add extra quality and movement in the crucial area," Reddy said.