the goan I network
MARGAO
United Club of Telaulim (UCT) routed relegation-threatened Goa Velha Sports Club 3-0 in the Geno GFA First Division League at SAG Artificial Turf, Fatorda on Sunday. Midfielder Mabel Miranda scored a second half hat-trick to give UCT three points.
United Club of Telaulim launched a series of attacks in the opening quarter but the winless Goa Velha Sports Club manged to protect their citadel. After the previous loss to Salgoacar Juniors, United Club of Telaulim kept relentless presssure on the rival goal and could have found success early but midfielder Engelbert Azaredo muffed a gilt edged scoring chance with only Goa Velha goalkeeper Akshat Haldonkar to beat. Couple of minutes later, Goa Velha had a chance to surge ahead but midfelder Valmiky Miranda shot wide.
Post resumption, United Club of Telaulim continued to ennjoy the better share of exchanges and finaly broke the deadlock when striker Abhay Shetty floated the ball inside the rival penalty box and Mabel nicely headed home, giving no chance to Goa Velha goalkeeper Akshat Hadkonkar, in the 56th minute.
Spurred by the lead, United Club of Telaulim intensfied their attacks and nearly doubled the lead but Abhay Shetty shot straight into the hands of rival goalkeeper. At the other end, Goa Velha got a chance to reduce the margin but midfielder Ojoy Araujo, despite having all the time to beat the United Club of Telaulim goalkeeper Veron Monteiro, made a feeble try which was collected by the rival goalkeeper.
In the 70th minute, United Club of Telaaulim spurned a golden chance when they missed a penalty. Joel Dias was brought down by the Goa Velha goalkeeper in the box and referee Raji Pir awarded a spot kick to UCT. However, captain Primson Fernandes’ spot kick was saved by the Goa Velha goalkeeper.
In the 88th minute, the relentless pressure yielded another goal as Mabel slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish off Joel Dias to give United Club of Telaulim a two-goal cushion. United Club of Telaulim launched a series of attacks and in the injury time, Mabel drove the last nail into the rival coffin after he converted a spot kick, which was awarded to them after Goa Velha goalkeeeper brought down Joel Fernandes inside the penalty box.
