PUNE: Pune FC was handed their second defeat at home going down to Churchill Brothers 2-0 and with it slipped from the second position they held in the I-League.
A goal each by Lalrindika Ralte (27th minute) and striker Henri Antchouet (48th) sealed Pune FC’s fate in a Round 25th encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Sunday.
The loss meant Pune FC remains on 43 points, but the effect of the defeat meant dropping two places to fourth position in the league table. The Goans, in fact, moved up into second position.
Pune FC went into the game bringing in defender Anas Edathodika (in place of Chika Wali) as the only change from the last match.
Utilizing home conditions, Pune FC initially held advantage with medio Douhou Pierre instrumental is opening up the game on both sides. However, it was the Goans who had the first say when Lenny Rodrigues let go a pile-driver from 30-yards out that brought out Pune FC ‘keeper Subrata Paul’s best with a great block.
With both teams having a shy each on each other’s goal, the Goans off a counter attack pushed forward through Steven Dias on the right wing. Steven, in the clear, delivered a good cross to find Ralte sneak home a header with the entire defence caught off guard leaving the Pune FC keeper no chance.
Pune FC thereafter had Keita from top of the box convert a half chance by striking the horizontal with a superb control, juggle and volley on the turn on the Churchill Brothers goal from 22-yards out.At half time, the score remained 1-0 in the Goans’ favour.
On resumption, Churchill Brothers swelled their advantage three minutes into the game. Once again it was an advancing keeper and a defensive lapse by defenders Anas and Caitano Costa that allowed striker Henri end up in the clear and drill the ball home.Down 0-2, Pune FC stepped up the pressure but were found wanting in their finish.
Mid way into the half two back to back corners forced by Pune FC led to the closest chance Pune FC had in the second session. Off the second corner, a melee ensued within the box leaving Keita with a try that was blocked by Denzil Franco and the rebound that followed saw Gurjinder Kumar hit wide from 8 yards.
Keita then put Subash in possession with a great header to a long ball played by Othallo Tabia, but again Subash’s try was onto keeper Felix D’Souza and then Keita pouncing on the rebound could not finish despite drawing the custodian out deep from his line.
Arata too missed an easy sitter with the Churchill Brothers effecting a block, which only added up to the disappointing day Pune FC were having out on the park.
The loss meant that Churchill Brothers avenged their 0-2 defeat in Goa, likewise this was the second loss in Pune to the Goans in three matches played.(AIFF)
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