Paroda started well, looking to attack and stretch the Cuncolim Union defence. The Paroda team had their chances with strikers failing to beat the rival goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation.
The Goan Network
MARGAO
Cuncolim Union played out a goalless draw with Immaculate Conception Sports Club (ICSC) Paroda in a GFA Second Division League (South Goa District play-off) at Rosary grounds, Navelim on Saturday.
Paroda started well, looking to attack and stretch the Cuncolim Union defence. The Paroda team had their chances with strikers failing to beat the rival goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation.
At the other hand, Cuncolim Union took time to settle down and briefly they called the shots against the rival goal. Mario Fernandes who had a good game for Paroda nearly broke the deadlock midway in the opening session but his try was well blocked by Cuncolim Union goalkeeper David Rebello.
Crossing over, Paroda raised their level of game and launched a barrage of attacks and pushed their opponents on the back foot for a major part of the game. They came close in foisting the lead but midfielder Mario Fernandes' rasping shot missed the mark narrowly. They created umpteen scoring opportunities as they tried to keep the possession and controlled the midfield.
Paroda nearly tasted success but rival defenders were alert in frustrating attacker Micky Vaz with a neat tackle.
Cuncolim Union who were struggling in the second half came with noteworthy chances when Manush Olveira floated the ball inside the box and Cuncolim Union captain and veteran central defender Krishna Shirodkar's gentle push was thwarted by Paroda defender. Midway in the second half, Ibon Costa found himself in acres of space inside the Cuncolim Union box after having controlled Micky Vaz from the left. But Ibon Costa could only manage to fire his attempt wide. Paroda who were having the better of the second half once again came closer to making the breakthrough in the 59th minute when Ibon Costa's snap shot went inches wide of the target.
The Paroda team nearly broke the deadlock in the 80th minute when hardworking Mario Fernandes' rasping volley was well parried away by Cuncolim Union goalkeeper David Rebello for an abortive flag kick. With time running out, Cuncolim Union spurned the golden opportunity when Manush Olveira found ideally placed Sampak Keny inside the rival penalty box but the last named shot wide much to the dismay of Cuncolim Union supporters.
