the goan I network
MARGAO
FC Goa beat Panjim Footballers 2-1 in a top-of-the-table clash at the Nagoa ground on Friday. The come-from-behind win was made possible thanks to goals from Alisha Tavares and Velanie Fernandes, who helped the Gaurs to all three points after having fallen behind early on in the contest.
Panjim Footballers got off to a bright start, scoring the opener in the 9th minute of the game. The visitors were in the ascendancy early on and could have doubled their lead two minutes later had it not been for a timely goal-line clearance from
Alisha Tavares.
Tavares was again at the centre of attention a few minutes later. A timely interception from Joyvi Fernandes led to the ball finding its way to Vailanka D’souza who in turn found the sharp Tavares. Her precise shot hit the post before nestling into the back of the net, bringing FC Goa back on terms in the 18th minute.
The Gaurs kept the pedal to the metal following half-time and were duly rewarded within the first six minutes of the second half. A mistimed last-ditch tackle from the Panjim Footballers’ keeper resulted in Alisha Tavares ending up on the turf hurt and the referee pointing towards the penalty spot. It was also a straight red card for the keeper.
FC Goa captain Velanie Fernandes stepped up to take responsibility for the penalty and dispatched it calmly into the net to give the Gaurs a deserved lead. The Gaurs remained dominant for the rest of the game. They, in fact, were unlucky not to score their third goal as Namita Govekar’s shot in the 78th minute crashed off of the crossbar. And that’s how the
game ended.
The win -- FC Goa’s fifth of the season -- helps the side to 20 points after 10 games. The result also cuts Panjim Footballers’ lead at the top to just four points.
