Delighted to have put four past Goa: CFC asst coach Stewart

Skipper Lucian Goian, Anirudh Thapa, Eli Sabia and Lallianzuala Chhangte found the back of the net in a second half blitzkrieg for CFC, which registered its first success over Goa this campaign.

But, the Clifford Miranda-managed team did reduce the deficit to three in the final phase of the match, giving it a faint hope going into the second leg at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa this Saturday.Chennaiyin head coach Owen Coyle’s deputy Sandy Stewart was pleased with his side’s showing but said the night would have been complete had the host shut the door on the tourist.

“If you had asked me before the game, a 4-1 scoreline would have been fantastic. I was a defender and love to see a clean sheet. I am a bit greedy (laughs),” Stewart told reporters.The second-in-command was referring to the away goal that Saviour Gama luckily netted at the death. “However, we are delighted to score four goals against a verygood team.

Although Goa missed a couple of its stars [Hugo Boumous and Brandon Fernandes], the players who took the field are good. But, it’s only half-time in the tie,” added Stewart.With the victory in the opening leg of the play-offs, CFC extended its unbeaten run in the competition to nine matches (7 wins and 2 draws).

Picking up a team that appeared done and dusted after six games, the Scottish combination of Coyle and Stewart has made wonders happen in a little less than three months.Asked how the duo has managed to change the fortunes of Chennaiyin in a short span of time, Stewart responded, “I think CFC underachieved at the start of the season.

The club wanted a fresh face and voice. We have just believed in the players, we have looked after them well since coming in. We have altered the training methods a bit. And, the players have been receptive to what we have tried to do in training.”

Stewart’s first stint in India has been a smooth sail and the assistant coach is relishing every moment of it. “Obviously, it’s been very enjoyable. When you win games, it’s nice but when you lose them, it’s horrible. So far, it’s been so good,” he concluded.