Striker Gourav Kankonkar turned out to be Goa Police Sports Club's saviour, scoring a 55th minute goal to help his team hold United Club of Telaulim (UCT) to a 1-1 draw in a third round match of GFA's First Division League at Rosary Grounds, Navelim on Monday
The Goan Network
MargaoStriker Gourav Kankonkar turned out to be Goa Police Sports Club's saviour, scoring a 55th minute goal to help his team hold United Club of Telaulim (UCT) to a 1-1 draw in a third round match of GFA's First Division League at Rosary Grounds, Navelim on Monday. UCT led 1-0 at the break.
Both the teams displayed attacking flair and kept the crowds on their toes. As the match progressed, United Club of Telaulim took firm grip over the proceedings and showed immense confidence and created many chances.
UCT 's breakthrough came in the 37th minute when midfielder Terence Lobo sent a beautiful through pass to winger Velton D'Souza who intelligently beat his markers and beat the rival goalkeeper Rupesh Kamat hands down. Spurred by the early success, UCT upped the ante and came close to doubling the lead when striker Necell Pinto's rasping shot was well blocked by Goa Police goalkeeper Rupesh Kamat.
Stung by the setback, Goa Police regrouped quickly and nearly levelled the score but striker Gourav Kankonkar's rasping shot hit the cross bar and went out after the rival rearguard was beaten.
Post resumption, Goa Police displayed impressive football skills and brilliant style of play. They combined excellently and pressed hard to get the equaliser. They created plenty of chances and always threatened to score.
Goa Police started to look very dangerous in front of the rival goal. They continued to press forward and their efforts were finally rewarded when in the 55th minute Dalesh Pednekar found Akshay Shirodkar who in turn relayed it to striker Gourav Kankonkar who unleashed a volley and crashed into the net giving no chance to UCT goalkeeper Dalwin Costa. The equaliser boosted Goa Police players as they mounted pressure on the rival citadel and nearly made it 2-1 but striker Gourav Kankonkar's feeble push went straight into the safe hands of rival goalkeeper after he was laid a beautiful pass by Hemant Kholkar.
Goa Police swarmed into the rival territory and had umpteen scoring chances but their forwards wasted from good position.
UCT midfield lacked pace and vision, especially in the second half and came close to netting the match-winner when Terrence Lobo who out paced his markers and his try missed the mark narrowly. With time running out, Goa Police went all out in search of the match winner and nearly found the target but Milind Shinde's feeble try was collected by UCT goalkeeper.
With this draw, Goa Police collected 5 points from three matches while UCT took their tally to 5 points from the same number of encounters.
