Goa, March 19 (NationPress) Churchill Brothers FC Goa continued their I-League 2024-25 title pursuit with a dominant 3-1 victory over Dempo SC in the eagerly awaited Goa Derby at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. The Red Machines were ahead 2-0 at halftime.

Dempo defender Mohamed Ali (26’ og) scored an own goal, granting Churchill Brothers the lead, followed by Wayde Lekay (35’) who not only netted a goal but also assisted Stendly Fernandes (58’). In the latter stages, Shaher Shaheen (66’) netted a consolation goal for Dempo. Lekay’s performance propelled him to third place in the league’s scoring charts, amassing 11 goals this season.

The victory solidified Churchill Brothers' position in the hunt for the I-League 2024-25 title, bringing them to 37 points from 19 matches, three ahead of Inter Kashi, who have played one less match. Dempo, on the other hand, holds ninth place with 22 points from 19 games, just three points above the relegation zone.

From the outset, Churchill Brothers set the pace and appeared more organized and determined. They skillfully utilized the pitch's width, stretching the Dempo defense to find openings. Their relentless pressure led to a fortunate goal in the 26th minute.

A ball was delivered into the Dempo box, and Lekay took a low shot at goal. In a bid to clear the threat, Dempo’s Mohamed Ali miscalculated his clearance and accidentally directed the ball into his own net, giving Churchill Brothers the lead.

Building on this momentum, the Red Machines doubled their lead in the 35th minute. A well-timed through ball split the Dempo defense, allowing Lekay to find himself in a one-on-one situation. The South African striker kept his cool, placing the ball past a stranded Ashish Sibi to make it 2-0.

Dempo sought to mount a comeback in the second half and was presented with a prime opportunity in the 56th minute when Kingslee Fernandes fouled Juan Mera in the box. The referee awarded a penalty, but Marcus Joseph squandered the chance, sending his shot soaring over the crossbar, much to the frustration of the Dempo side.

Just two minutes later, Churchill Brothers sealed the game. Lamgoulen Semkholun displayed his vision by threading a brilliant pass to Lekay, who deftly flicked it to Fernandes. The midfielder made no error, hammering his shot home to increase Churchill’s lead to 3-0 in the 58th minute.

Dempo eventually got on the scoresheet in the 66th minute from a set-piece. A well-executed free-kick found Shaher Shaheen, who leapt above the defense to head it in.

Nonetheless, the goal came too late, as Churchill Brothers maintained their defensive strength to secure a vital three points.