Bengaluru FC sign off with win

Bengaluru: The heavens burst open and showered its blessings upon the erstwhile champions Bengaluru FC as they closed out their I-League season with a facile 3-0 victory over Churchill Brothers at the Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. On the occasion the Blues’ 50th game at home, coach Albert Roca featured five U-22 players and left out a host of star names including captain Sunil Chettri, John Johnson and Eugenson Lynngdoh. And the youth made all the difference, playing a hand in each of the three goals scored.

The Blues found themselves in front in the fifth minute, when Daniel Lahlimpuiah drifted in between the centre backs at the near post to volley home a perfectly flighted cross from Gursmirat Singh. Churchill nearly found their way back into the match as Bektru Uulu's flick on found left-midfielder Anthony D'Souza one-on-one with goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte, who positioned himself well to capture the well-hit effort.

A wet ball hampered Ralte's handling throughout the first half, as he spilled a corner into striker Anthony Wolfe's path. Sandesh Jhingan was on luckily hand to clear. Udanta Singh was a thorn Churchill’s flesh all night — taking men on and linking play on the right side efficiently. He switched flanks and beat the offside trap to latch on to a long ball, before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting in the second.

Churchill let their biggest chance go begging just before halftime when centre back Adil blasted over a loose ball from six yards out. Madar Rao Dessai sealed the win for the hosts after manipulating the ball onto his favoured left ball and curling past the hapless Kumar in the 84th minute. The West Block Blues hailed their team with a banner stating “You will always be champions” as the garden city club showcased a combination of experience and bench strength that will augur well in May's cup fixtures.