Top spot aspirants battle today

The Goa league champions, who were running a point behind Mohun Bagan till the 13th outing, consolidated their position with a 1-0 victory in their last tie against State Bank of Travancore, taking their total to 30 points.The IFA Shield champion from Calcutta let go the advantage and their lead to Churchil last Saturday. IM Vijayan made the difference between the Calcutta club and FC Kochin in Bagan8217;s 14th tie which Kochin won 1-0. Mohun Bagan was relegated to the second spot.

Bagan, now with 28 points from 14 matches, have the advantage of the home turf and crowd support. But that is about all as the fit and ready Churchil are raring to scorch the turf in Calcutta. It is time that Subrata Bhattacharyya, Bagan8217;s coach, pulled a rabbit out of his sleeve to take the Goans by surprise.

Desperate duo
BANGALORE: Desperate to garner points to avoid relegation, Dempo Sports Club of Goa and local league champions Indian Telephone Industries, which were down the ladder in the National Football League, will lock horns in their reverse match here on Thursday.

ITI, which has three wins and five draws and lost the other seven matches in the league and is placed 10th while Dempo is a spot below with one win and five draws besides losing seven matches.

Dempo has something to hope for as the shock victory over strong East Bengal at Calcutta last week has revived their confidence.