CHURCHILL BROTHERS HAVE ESTABLISHED themselves as a major threat to Mohun Bagan's title run with a 2-1 win against Real Kashmir FC at home in today's I-League encounter.
Coming into this match, both the clubs were emerging as the teams to watch out for in the second half of the league. A win for either would put them in hot pursuit of the Mariners. Churchill Brothers got an early lead in Fatorda with Willis Plaza scoring from the penalty spot, and before long, Plaza set up Mapuia to double their lead.
With the Red Machines leading 2-0, the second half saw the Snow Leopards put on a desperate stand to make a comeback in the match. Their sustained efforts through the period got them a goal late in the game as Ralte set up new signing Robin Singh for a late one.
But the effort fell short of getting them a point, and Churchill walked away with a 2-1 victory.
The win puts the Red Machines at 19 points from 11 matches. League leaders Mohun Bagan have 29 points from 12 games. With these two clubs set to clash on Saturday, a win for Churchill has the potential for bringing them within an arm's reach of the Mariners.
Real Kashmir FC have lost their second match in a row and the skid has dented their title challenge. But they will look to bounce back in their next two matches against Indian Arrows and Aizawl FC.