India's top football competition made its debut in the Valley as Real Kashmir hosted Goa's Churchill Brothers in their first home league game of I-League.
After a winning start over defending champions Minerva Punjab, the Snow Leopards were looking to continue their dream run in the top division.
A slow start for Churchill Brothers as they were looking for their first win of the season after settling for two consecutive draws in their opening two fixtures.
Real Kashmir vs Churchill Brothers
Real Kashmir (4-2-3-1)
No changes for the home side from their 1-0 win over Minerva but there was a change in formation as David Robertson decided against the 4-4-1-1 and adopted the 4-2-3-1. Hammad slotted in at centre back as Brian Mascarenhas played as left back. Armand and captain Loveday played as pivots with Danish Bhat and Ganie on the flanks. Katebe was given the free role behind Krizo who started as the lone striker.
Churchill Brothers
Just a single change for Petre Gigiu's side as Lamgoulen Gou Hangshing came in for Vinil Poojary in the midfield. Ceesay played the number 10 role as Plaza started up front.
Playing in their own den with snowy winds blowing around and favouring them against a side that is coming all over from warm shores of Goa. It was always going to be an advantage for the home side while it was going to be a stern challenge for the visitors.
A competitive start to the game as both teams tried to dominate possession and impose themselves in the match.
The first chance fell to Danish Farooq who was denied by the post in the first half. At the stroke of the half-time, Churchill suffered a major blow having gone down to 10 men. Till then, it was pretty even as Real Kashmir had 6 shots compared to Churchill's 4.
It seemed that luck had deserted the hosts as they were denied by the post again in the second half, which ultimately forced them to share spoils with Churchill Brothers, who kept their defence rock solid and defended deep with 10 men.
But nevertheless, the dream run of the new boys continued as they climbed to third in the table with 4 points from 2 games whereas as Churchill Brothers were held to a draw for the third consecutive time and sit at fifth.
Up next for the new boys are NEROCA on November 11 at home while Churchill Brothers, who will not be in action on Matchday 4, will host Shillong Lajong on November 15.
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