Home advantage for Churchill: PK

MARGAO, FEB 9: Advantage Churchill Brothers, according to rival coach PK Banerjee, ahead of tomorrow's Coca-Cola National Football League...

MARGAO, FEB 9: Advantage Churchill Brothers, according to rival coach PK Banerjee, ahead of tomorrow’s Coca-Cola National Football League clash against Calcutta’s Mohan Bagan at the Nehru stadium.

Banerjee, popularly known as `PK’ said: “They (Churchill Brothers) know every blade of grass on the pitch. We don’t, and as home side, they will enjoy a decided advantage.”

“Maybe. But Churchill Brothers have suffered a double blow. Regular wing-back Danzie Ferrao will sit out the match with two yellow cards. Experienced in-field Mario Soares just lost his father and is a doubtful starter for tomorrow’s potentially tight encounter.

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Not that Mohun Bagan, the defending champions, are without worries. Niggling injuries to Nigerian striker Chima Okerie (hamstring pull), Jo Paul Ancheri (thigh), N Khenthang Paite (ankle sprain) must cause concern to the Calcutta side tied on points with their Goan opponents and Punjab outfit Jagatjit Cotton Textile Mills (Phagwara).

Churchill, however, head the table on goal difference followed by Bagan.

Churchill Brothers coach Danny McLennan expects a keen struggle for a win that is expected to get either side to an entry into the `Super Six,’ the next phase of the league.

The Goan side are buoyant, fresh from a comprehensive 3-1 victory in Group A over difficult Calcutta newcomers Tollygunge Agragami at home on Sunday. Mohun Bagan, however, have travelled to Goa from Mumbai by bus after a bruising 1-0 success over Air-India.

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