the goan I network
PANAJI
Albert Developers earned a qualification to the Goa Football Association First Division League following their triumph in the Second Division League with a 3-1 win over Sao Jose de Areal in their final league match at Ella ground, Old Goa, on Wednesday.
Albert Developers collected maximum points in the play-off round to finish first with nine points while Candolim SC came second with a better goal-difference as the remaining three teams finished with three points apiece.
Albert Developers started the match on an attacking note and their efforts paid dividends in the seventh minute when Ronil Azavedo’s perfect free-kick landed at Gaurav Kankonkar’s feet and the latter rounded off the keeper to make it 1-0.
Albert Developers were dominant over their opponents and then scored their second when Gaurav took a shot at goal which was pushed towards Krishna by the rival custodian. Krishna made no mistake to tap the ball into the rival goal to make it 2-0. After the half time break, Albert Developers scored their third goal as Shawyn Fernandes’ defence-splitting pass saw Gaurav making no mistake to roll the ball past the helpless keeper.
Sao Jose de Areal almost came close to reducing the deficit when Dezi Oliveira managed to get past Albert’s defence led by Paulo Joao and Shawyn Fernandes, who were brilliant throughout the evening. But Dezi’s effort was brilliantly saved by Albert Developers’ keeper Frazer with a
fully-stretched save. Finally in the dying minutes of the game, Sao Jose de Areal scored a
consolation goal through Dezi.
Albert Developers remained undefeated throughout the league campaign as they won 13 matches and two draws. Coach Venacio Gonsalves thanked the boys and team, saying: “The boys were brilliant throughout the season. Remaining undefeated is something special and surely our target now will be top the 1st Division League too.”
