Margao, April 17: Salgaocar warded off a second half challenge to score a hard fought 2-1?win over Churchill Brothers to extend their lead by three points after Round 22 of the I-League, at Nehru Stadium here today.
Title aspirants Salgaocar, who dominated the first half,? took the lead in the 38th minute through Francis Fernandes after his shot from top of the box was spilled by keeper Vinay Singh as the ball rolled into the net before he could collect it.
Two minutes later, Churchill Brothers equalised through a penalty from Odafe Okolie who was brought down by defender Ibungbam Meitei inside the box.
Salgaocar kept up the pressure and again took the lead in the stoppage time of the first half when Man of the Match Ryuji Sueoka guided the ball into the net off a pass from Yakubu which turned out to be the winner.
-Agencies