Goa: Churchill Brothers have been bolstered by the return of midfielder Lalrindika Ralte as they prepare to get their campaign back on track against HAL Bangalore in the 20th round of the I League encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.
Churchill Brothers stumbled against relegation-threatened Mumbai FC in the last match and allowed a perfect opportunity to close the gap between them and leaders Dempo Sports Club.
Churchill stays at 33 points, but having played a match less, they can move up to the second spot and just four points behind Dempo.
“We had a great chance in the last match against Mumbai FC but we blew that chance. I don’t think anyone can be blamed. It’s a collective failure,” said manager Danzie Ferrao.
“We were not our usual self in the previous game and having lost that game, we cannot afford to suffer another setback. That would be dangerous and possibly kill our title chances,” said the manager.
Lalrindika’s absence due to injury was one of the reason why Churchill stumbled in some games, including the loss against Salgaocar. The return of the India midfielder will be a big boost.
“We will have lot of options. Lalrindika returns to the starting eleven. We still have to decide on the final squad though,” said Danzie.
HAL are at the bottom of the pool with just six points in their kitty, but with still seven matches still to be played, the Bangalore side are still nursing hopes of surviving the drop.
The Bangalore side, though, will have to win a majority of their remaining matches to nurse any hopes of survival. Mumbai FC (17 points) and Chirag United Kerala (11 points) are the other contenders for relegation while Pailan Arrows (8 points) are not eligible for relegation as they are a developmental side of the All India Football Federation.
