PANAJI
Salgaocar FC scored a solitary goal win over Youth Club of Manora in the Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Tuesday. Selwyn Mirando scored the only goal of the game in the first half.
Salgaocar FC put pressure on the opposition from the word go with their youngsters playing quick football, making it difficult for Manora. There were series of raids from the Greens but the best chance came in the 8th minute when Luis Barreto's half-clearance fell to Stephen Satarkar, who got past his man Manushawn Fernandes, but his tight-angle shot went straight to the keeper.
In the 20th minute, YC Manora's Caetano Fernandes took advantage of the space on the left and upon nearing the byline, sent a cross in the area where Jeh Williamson connected but his header went off target. In the 26th minute, Salgaocar won a free-kick just outside the box when Williamson pushed Selwyn Miranda outside the box. Selwyn himself took the free-kick which crashed into the far top corner giving no chance to Barreto.
Nicholas then tried a shot from a distance but his effort took a deflection and went out for a corner. The resultant flag-kick was put behind the line for another corner, which was ultimately wasted by Manora.
Salgaocar always looked threatening in their attacks with Aaron Barreto and Stephen forming a good pair upfront. They used their flank to get in crosses to keep Manora defence on their toes. Selwyn missed scoring his second when he got the ball on the right and got the ball on his preferred right foot and had a shot at goal, which narrowly missed the mark.
In the second half, Salgaocar FC nearly doubled the lead when Malappa, on receiving a pass from Steflon, shot first-time, which hit the woodwork. The play was restricted to midfield later but Manora had a chance through Williamson. However, his header sailed over the bar.
