MARGAO
Curtorim Gymkhana secured their first win in the Geno GFA First Division League as they edged past United Club of Telaulim 2-1 at SAG Artificial Turf, Fatorda on Saturday. Curtorim Gymkhana led 1-0 at the break.
Coming into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw against Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao, the Curtorim ran out winners against United Club of Telaulim courtesy goals from captain Milagres Feernandes (33rd minute) and Liston Fernandes (78th, penalty). With this win, Curtorim Gymkhana took their tally to 4 points from 3 matches while United Club of Telaulim suffered their second defeat and have 3 points from same number of matches.
Curtorim Gymkhana enjoyed more ball possession in the initial period of the game and their midfielders did not allow their opponents’ waistline any room to operate and kept them quiet for majority of the first half. Curtorim Gymkhana took the lead in the 33rd minute when Cliffton Barbosa’s well measured cross was beautifully flicked in by Milagres Fernandes, giving no chance to the United Club of Telaulim goalkeeper Mackles Moraes.
Changing over, Curtorim Gymkhana continued to dominate and their attacks pressurised the Telaulim defence. United Club of Telaulim then missed a chance when Mabel Miranda’s rasping shot
hit the post.
After that close shave, Curtorim Gymkhana got their act together and in the 70th minute, Milagres Fernandes’ goal was disallowed by the assistant referee for an offside.
Curtorim Gymkahna doubled the lead in the 78th minute when rival defender Raju Chalwadi handled the ball while dealing with Manuel Castana’s strong header and referee Sharad Naik awarded the spot kick. Liston Fernandes sent the rival goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Three minutes later, United Club of Telaulim reduced the margin when striker Denson Fernandes’ smart header beat the rival goalkeeper Clarence Furtado hands down. With time running out, Curtorim Gymkhana goalie Clarence Furtado came up with two superb saves to deny the Telaulim team their equaliser. United Club of Telaulim made last-ditch efforts and nearly fetched the leveller but Abhay Shety’s volley missed the mark narrowly.
