Its Do or Die for Churchill against Dempo

Churchill dropped four points after their draw against HAL and Sporting Clube de Goa to place themselves six points behind leaders Dempo who are leading the table with 47 points from 22 matches.

But the double win in their last two matches under Technical Director Subhas Bhowmick has given them a hope to stay in the race for the title along with East Bengal (41) and Mohun Bagan (40).

"Its a must-win situation and my boys know the importance of tomorrow`s match. A win only will keep us in race for the title and my boys are all charged up for tomorrow`s battle," said Bhowmick.

"Dempo are in better frame of mind as they are sitting pretty six points above us. So we have to be more mentally prepared to take them on. No doubt Dempo are a strong side but I take tomorrow`s match like any other game. I have faced Dempo many times in the past and have won against them. The twin win in the last couple of matches have put the boys in good shape and hoping they will continue their impressive run tomorrow," stated Bhowmick, adding he has full squad at his disposal.

Roberto Silva who has played a key role in Churchill Brothers attack will have to shoulder most of the burden to keep the attack moving against rival free flowing midfield.

N D Opara struck a hatrick against Chirag United of Kerala and Henri Antchouet will have to combine well upfront and score from half chances as they will get little chance to manouvere inside the box against rival strong defence led Mahesh Gwali.

For Dempo Ranty Martins who is the leading scorer with 26 goals will be looking to add more goals to its tally. He will be supported by Denzil Teobald along with Climax Lawerence, Anthony Pereira and Clifford Miranda from behind.

Having taken six points over their nearest rivals, Churchill Brothers and East Bengal at the top, Dempo`s coach Armando Colaco wants to win tomorrow and consolidate the lead further which will help them to take a firm grip towards winning the title for the fifth time.

"Its a big challenge as both are fighting for the title and we need to put our best foot against them tomorrow who will throw everything at us for which we are prepared. I told my boys to go on the field and play their natural game and not succumb to the outside pressure. We lost against them in the first leg, but this time we want to win and consolidate the lead at the top," said Colaco. With both the teams eyeing for the title a close and absorbing contest is on the cards.