I-League: Memories of previous final days

2008-09

April 16 2009

Churchill Brothers celebrated their first-ever league triumph at the expense of Mohammedan Sporting’s relegation

Both the title race and relegation battle remained unresolved going into the season finale. Churchill Brothers and Mohun Bagan were in contention for the title with both sides level on points but the Goan club were leading due to a better goal difference. The battle for survival had five teams in it with two sides to go down to the second division. Air India were at the top of the bottom five, followed by United SC, JCT, Mohammedan Sporting and Vasco. The bottom two – Mohammedan Sporting and Vasco – had to depend on results of the other three with Mohammedan’s final game being against league leaders Churchill Brothers. Vasco though were up against a direct rival in United SC with Air India and JCT having home games against Sporting Clube and Mumbai FC respectively.

Mohun Bagan had a tough away assignment against Mahindra United so East Bengal – Dempo clash was the only inconsequential tie among the six final day fixtures. Mohun Bagan needed a favour from Mohammedan Sporting but the Mariners themselves lost 2-1 to Mahindra to end their hopes of a title. Churchill Brothers thrashed Mohammedan Sporting 6-2 to not only clinch their first-ever title but also relegate the Kolkata giants. JCT managed a narrow 1-0 win over Mumbai to ensure their survival and United SC also avoided relegation by thumping Vasco 4-1 in Goa. That saw Vasco get relegated so Air India survived despite the 3-1 loss to Sporting Clube.