Minerva prevail in nine-goal thriller against Churchill

Vasco (Goa), Feb 19: Top division newcomers Minerva Punjab FC recorded the second victory of their campaign, edging past former champions Churchill Brothers 5-4 in a rip-roaring I-League encounter at the Tilak Maidan here on Sunday.

David Ngaihte (4th minute) opened the floodgates for the visitors before Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (7th) equalised for Vasco. Adil Khan (18th) gave Churchill the lead but Simranjit Singh (22nd) levelled the scores for Minerva.

Souvik Das (31st) made it 3-2 for Minerva but a Ansuma Kromah (41st) strike ensured none of the teams enter the break with an advantage.

The result saw Minerva leapfrog from the ninth to the seventh position with 10 points from same number of matches. Churchill remained rock bottom with six in their kitty from 10 outings. This was the highest scoring game this season. IANS