CHARLES D'SOUZA
MARGAO
FC Goa Reserves and FC Kerala played out a goalless draw in Group B of Second Division I-League at Holy Trinity ground, Benaulim
on Saturday.
Both teams started cautiously but FC Goa Reserves showed more purpose. The Clifford Miranda-coached team had their forwards to blame as they were often off target and failed to use their opportunities. The home side squandered a chance in the 20th minute when striker Liston Colaco found Mohammed Yasair inside the box, but the Kerala defenders averted the danger.
Soon after, Mohammed Yasir unleashed a left-footer but it missed the mark narrowly. At the other end, FC Kerala too had their share of chances and looked to score when midfielder Hari Krishanan AV sent a defence-splitting pass to striker Surjit V Ramesh, who failed to beat goalkeeeper Mohammad Nawaz.
Midway in the first half, FC Goa Reserves had their best chance coming to midfielder Hayden Fernandes whose snap shot was saved by Kerala FC goalkeeper Ahamad Asfar.
Post the breather, FC Goa Reserves upped the tempo and had no reason to feel happy with the outcome. They created many chances but lacked sharpness upfront.
On the rare occasion when Kerala attackers got their act together, the FC Goa defence proved more than adequate.
With this draw, FC Goa Reserves took their tally to 5 points from 4 matches while FC Kerala reached 7 points from 3 matches. FC Goa Reserves next face Kerala Blasters Reserves on April 16 and Fateh Hyderabad on April 21.
