ICSC Paroda conclude league engagements with 1-0 win over Curtorim Gymkhana
MARGAO
Salgaocar FC Juniors blanked Panjim Footballers 2-0 to clinch the GFA First Division League title at Government Village School playgrounds, Ambelim on Wednesday. Although Salgaocar won the match, they cannot qualify for Professional League as their senior team is already in contention for this honour.
Salgaocar Juniors scored twice in each half through midfielder Lalit Fariad (30th) and mercurial striker Liston Colaco (73rd minute).
The finale saw both teams maintaining a high tempo in the opening 45 minutes creating considerable chances to seize the initiative. The grand finale saw both teams maintaining a high tempo in the opening 45 minutes creating considerable chances to seize the initiative at the rain soaked pitch. Penha de Franca who secured a big victory over Holy Cross SC and Panjim Footballers to fight it out for second place. Salgaocar Colts distinctly had an upper hand with the chances they created in the match. Panjim Footballers were left to fight as they have a game over Goa Velha Sports Club to try and win and earn a promotion to the elite league. However Salgaocar Colts shot ino the lead in the 30th minute when hardworking midfielder Lalit Fariad beat the rival goalkeeeper with neat finish off an assist from Stephen Alvares.
After taking the lead, Salgaocar Colts took control with their forwards and midfielders working in tandeem to put the rival defence into disarray. Panjim Footballers, meanwhile, had a chance when striker Harshad Naik unleashed a shot which was parried away by Salgaocar custodian Avinash Rao and before he could do the damage the ball was cleared away by defender Sourabh Patil midway through the first half.
The second half belonged to the Green brigade who contolled the game and created umpteen scoring chances but their forwards ran out of ideas after reaching the danger zone. At the other end, Panjim Footballers did create some decent moves but the Green brigade defence thwarted their attempt with neat tackles. In the 73rd minute Liston Colaco tapped the ball in off a well measured cross from Jaison Barbosa to score the insurance goal. Panjim Footballers looked deflated as they couldn’t come up with a response as Salgaocar consolidated their position at the top of the tablle with 45 points.
In another match, Immaculate Conception Sports Club (ICSC) Paroda finished their engagements on a winning note, beating Curtorim Gymkhana 1-0 at Government Village School playgrounds, Cuncolim on Wednesday. Light showers throughout the day made life difficult for both the teams who struggled to play positional soccer.
After rains subsided, Curtorim Gymkhana took over the control and must blame themselves as their forwards squandered umpteen scoring chances.The all-important goal of the match came in the 31st minute when midfielder Hyginess Fernandes slotted past the rival goalkeeper. Stung by that reversal, Curtorim Gymkhana launched a barrage of attacks and their forwards muffed sitters after sitters.
Crossing over, the trend continued with Curtorim Gymkhana continuing to enjoy the lion’s share of exchanges but their forwards squandered chances in a one-to-one situation.
Meanwhile, the lack of medical facilities at the venue came to the fore as there was no medical ambulance at the venue something the organizers overlooked in the
first place.
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