PANAJI
Sporting Clube de Goa got off to a perfect start following their 1-0 win over Vasco SC in the Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Wednesday.
Dattaraj Gaonkar scored the lone goal of the game in the first half stoppage time.
Sporting Clube de Goa coach handed start to their new signees Ozen Silva in goal and Kunal Kundaikar in defence while Vasco SC named an unchanged XI from their 2-0 win against Churchill Brothers.
The newly promoted U20 had couple of chances early in the game. But both his attempt from inside the box were blocked by Vasco defenders. Had it been placed in either sides, Sporting would have been ahead in the game.
The teams were restricted to midfield duel for most of the first session. Vasco SC also had an opportunity from a set piece when Denil Rebello sent in a dangerous corner kick in the box which Sanwil D’Costa connected brilliantly but his header narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
Sporting finally took the lead in the 45th minute when Girish Naik sent in a curling delivery from the left which was met by an rushing Dattaraj whose header gave no chance for Vasco custodian Sanju Thapa.
Crossing over there were not many chances as the play was restricted to midfield battle. Vasco had a chance from a set piece when a long ball from the half way line fell to Francisco Fernandes, whose shot took a deflection of a Sporting player and went out of play. Vasco officials and players claimed for an handball but referee showed no interest and pointed for a corner kick.
At the other end, Dattaraj made a fine run and squared the ball to Marcus, who let it go to Rohit, who played it back to Marcus and the last named shot straight to the keeper.
Sporting Clube held on to their 1-0 lead till the final whistle to claim the first win.
