Goa: After a horrendous start to the season, that saw them losing four matches on the trot, Churchill Brothers will hope to get back to winning ways when they take on Chennai City at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on Tuesday.
Having failed to score a single goal in the first three matches, the ‘Red Machines’ scored two against East Bengal before succumbing to a late winner by Willis Plaza. The 3-2 loss against East Bengal was also their second stoppage-time loss following the 0-1 last minute collapse against Aizwal FC.
“It’s really frustrating to see the team lose in the stoppage time twice. We did well against East Bengal and deserved a point which would have boosted our confidence,” said interim manager Alfred Fernandes at the pre-match conference.
He however sounded optimistic of his team bouncing back soon and added that a win against Chennai will do his boys to a real good to bolster their confidence. “There is no need to ring alarm bells at this stage as we have lot of matches to play, to come out of relegation. A win tomorrow in front of our home fans against Chennai City FC who are also struggling like us will help the team to gain confidence,” added the Churchill gaffer.
Chennai City faced a similar fate as their opposition on Tuesday. Winless after four matches they have performed slightly better than the ‘Red Machines’ but last minute defensive lapses have prevented them from registering a win. Chennai have lost two of four matches by a 1-2 margin of goals and will hope prevent the same mistakes that prevented then from clinching all three points against both Minerva and Neroca.
They will however have to overcome a rejuvenated Churchill Brothers who nearly snatched a draw against East Bengal. Nonetheless, Chennai have been playing some impressive football in the last few matches and will aim to carry on the same against the ‘Red Machines.’
“It’s going to be a good contest as both teams are lying at the bottom and will fight for a win. Churchill brothers are a good side and are tough side to beat at home. My boys are prepared and are looking for entertaining football,” concluded Chennai coach V Soundarajan.