Pro League action at Duler Stadium on Oct 28.
Photo Credits: GFA
DULER
Skipper Francisco Fernandes scored a brace as Vasco Sports Club registered a 4-2 win over Velsao Sports and Cultural Club in the Selvel Goa Professional League, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.
Alson Fernandes and Savlon Fernandes were the other goal-getters for the winners while Sheldon Pereira and Veltio Cruz managed to put their names on the scoresheet for Velsao.
Vasco SC looked threatening early in the game as Cavin Lobo fired a low shot from inside the box which Velsao keeper Jeet Gupta managed to block by pushing the ball for a corner. In the third minute, a back pass from Velsao defender created a scare for the defence after the ball bounced over the keeper, but much to their relief, it was off target and went out of play.
In the eighth minute, Vasco SC's Kuldeep made a crucial block when he pushed a Velsao freekick for a corner. The Vasco backline did well to guard their goal while defending a series of raids from Velsao players.
Velsao SCC broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through Sheldon Pereira. Velito's freekick from outside the box was cleared by Vasco SC's Kuldeep but the ball fell to Sheldon, who slammed a first-time shot past Vasco keeper Luis Barreto. Cavin Lobo then made a fine run into the box before passing the ball to Reeve Costa, whose goal-bound shot was blocked by Velsao's Leny Rodrigues.
Vasco SC came back strongly in the second half. There were attacking chances coming thick and fast for the Port Towners and they made it all square in the 52nd when Francisco Fernandes sent in a fine delivery from the flag kick, which was headed in by an unmarked Alson Fernandes.
In the 58th minute, Vasco took the lead with a goal from Francisco. Cavin played to Savlon Fernandes on the flank, and the youngster ran down the byline and played a cutback pass to Francisco, who kept his composure and calmly slotted into the bottom corner, 2-1.
The lead lasted just for four minutes as Velsao made it all square from a set-piece. Neville Alburquerque fouled Ronil with a rash tackle outside the box prompting the referee to award a free-kick and also flash a yellow card to Neville. Velito Cruz curled the freekick into the bottom left corner.
James Fernandes was wasteful for Velsao as the striker missed two sitters. First, he headed wide with just the keeper to beat and then all he had to do was make a tap-in but failed to do so. At the other end, Vasco punished them for wasting their chances as Savlon Fernandes scored a stunning goal from the edge of the box, giving no chance for Jeet.
Luis Barreto made a fine save in the 75th minute when he blocked Rohan Rodrigues' effort. Vasco scored their fourth in the 81st minute when Cavin spotted Francisco’s run into the box, and the latter scored with a fine finish.
