United Club of Telaulim (UCT) scored a shock 2-0 win over table-toppers Penha de Franca Sports Club in the GFA's First Division League at Rosary grounds, Navelim on Thursday.
The Goan Network
Margao
United Club of Telaulim (UCT) scored a shock 2-0 win over table-toppers Penha de Franca Sports Club in the GFA's First Division League at Rosary grounds, Navelim on Thursday. There was no score at half time.
Penha de Franca looked organised in the opening session and tried to string a few passes, but their inability to hold and convert chances from good position did not help their cause. Penha de Franca created scare in the very 5th minute when Shubham Malvankar unleashed a stiff shot which was well blocked by Telaulim goalkeeper Dalwin Costa off a pass from Shane Temudo. Later, Shubham's volley missed the target narrowly. At the other end, backed by the vociferous home crowd, UCT took time to settle down and once they struck rhythm they called the shots against the rival goal.
They came close in foisting the lead but striker Aldrich Coelho's smart header was well collected by rival goalkeeper Adney Fernandes. Terence Lobo played a stellar role for UCT who fed his forwards with flawless passes and also unleashed a couple of shots against the rival goal - which either missed the target or went wide. Strikers Savio Fernandes and Alrdich Coelho troubled the Penha da Franca defence with space and skill. Savio Fernandes nearly broke the deadlock midway in the opening session but his try was palmed away by rival goalkeeper Adney. Penha de Franca threatened to score with 10 minutes for lemon break but striker Joston Pereira's left footed drive hit the post much to the dismay of Penha de Franca supporters.
Crossing over, Telaulim put up a better display and had their share of chances when Terrence Lobo floated the ball inside the rival penalty box. However, striker Aldrich failed to beat the rival goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation. At the other end, Penha did not lag behind as Joston Pereira's booming shot hit the cross bar after Sarvanand Naik laid him a beautiful pass. Savio Fernandes provided the breakthrough in the 68th minute through a penalty. When midfielder Jaison Pereira's carpet drive hit the central defender Siddharth Shirodkar's hand and referee without any hesitation pointed to the dreaded spot.
Savio Fernandes made no mistake with the resultant spot-kick to send the Penha goalkeeper Adney the wrong way. Stung by that setback, Penha went all out in search of the equalizer and almost found success but Sanwil Costa ballooned over from close range.
Telaulim doubled the lead in the 85th minute through striker Aldrich who punished the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish off a pass from Terrence Lobo. Telaulim could have added two more goals had not Savio and Terrence not squandered their chances.
With this win, Telaulim collected 14 points from 11 matches while Penha stayed with 21 points from 12 matches.
At Panchayat grounds, Raia, a fine brace by striker Francis Fernandes helped Goa Velha Sports Club register a fluent 3-1 win over Panchwadi United Sports Club. All the goals came in the first half.Goa Velha who were fighting to avoid the drop lived up to their billing. Royston Pereira opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Buoyed by the lead, they upped the ante and in the 14th minute, Francis Fernandes increased the tally. Down by 0-2, Panchwadi regrouped quickly and took the fight to the rival camp and in the 28th minute, Higness reduced the deficit. Unfazed, Goa Velha put the issue beyond doubt when Francis Fernandes struck second time in the 39th and scored his brace.
The second half saw Goa Velha creating more chances but they could not score more goals.
At 3MTR grounds, Navelim, Corps of Signals bungled scoring chances and settled for a goalless draw against Sesa Football Academy.
Other results
Goa Velha SC 3 beat Panchwadi USC 1
Corps of Signals 0 drew with Sesa FA 0
