the goan I network
MARGAO
FC Goa dished out a stellar performance to churn out an easy 2-0 win against Dempo Sports Club in the All India Football Federation’s Under-18 Youth League at SAG ground, Utorda on Thursday. FC Goa led 1-0 at half time.
FG Goa wrested the initiative right from the word go and troubled the rival defence with their attack-minded game. Dempo colts also had their chance when striker Kimran Fernandes’ header missed the target narrowly.
While FC Goa’s Meuton Fernandes and Sweeden Fernandes combined well, the rival defenders soaked in the pressure in the early part of the first half. However in the 20th minute, Meuton Fernandes notched up the opening goal for FC Goa, beating rival goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes. Spurred by the success, FC Goa upped the ante and launched a flurry of attacks. In one such move, defender Aniket Singh Thakur moved inside the rival penalty box but a rival defender foiled his attempt.
FC Goa could have doubled the score but striker Sweeden Fernandes missed the target from close range in the 30th minute. In the 37th minute, midfielder Brison Fernandes ballooned the ball over from close range. Dempo meanwhile were happy to sit back in their own half and defend.
After the changeover, FC Goa continued to mount pressure on Dempo colts but the young Eagles came close to levelling the score when midfielder Rajat Harijan floated the ball inside the rival penalty box but midfielder Arron Alvares’ thumping header missed the target narrowly. Dempo were desperate and launched a series of attacks and Arron Alvares’ booming shot was thwarted by a rival defender.
Unfazed, FC Goa kept attacking and in the 80th minute, substitute midfielder Krishna Gawas’ long ranger sailed over the crossbar. Two minutes later, striker Sweeden Fernandes sealed the match when he beat the Dempo goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes with a neat finish. A minute before the long whistle, substitute Dempo defender Deepraj Govekar and FC Goa defender Aniket Singh Thakur were red-carded by referee Sharad Naik.
