I-League: Churchill look to close gap on Dempo

Margao, April 10 (IANS) Churchill Brothers will look to reduce the deficit against I-League leaders Dempo SC when the two teams meet in a decisive 24th round clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Wednesday.

Churchill are six points behind the league leaders and a win will leave them just three points behind with three matches left to play.

"I have always maintained that we can challenge for the title. Our match against Dempo will be decisive," said Churchill Brothers technical director Subhas Bhowmick.

Bhowmick will be relatively pleased with the health of his side as he welcomes back crucial players. Denzil Franco and Raju Yumnam will return to the starting line-up after missing the last clash due to suspension and injury respectively.

"We have done well in the recently and have scored heavily in the last two matches. We must win against Dempo if we are to be challenging for the title," said Bhowmick.

Coach Armando Colaco is expected to make no changes to his starting line which means he will start with Nigerian strikers Ranty Martins and Koko Sakibo while leaving Joaquim Abranches on the bench.

Dempo have 47 points from 22 matches while Churchill Brothers are on 41 points from 22 outings.

The eighth round encounter between the two was won by Churchill Brothers 2-1.