BLURB - The match started off at a fiery pace with both sides trying hard to make an impact in the early stages but the ball was mostly confined to the midfield
THE GOAN NETORK
MAPUSA
Uttam Rai netted an impressive hat-trick as Dempo Sports Club beat Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim 4-1 in the Goa Professional League (round 3) match at Duler Stadium, here, on Wednesday. At half time, the score was 2-0.
The match started off at a fiery pace with both sides trying hard to make an impact in the early stages but the ball was mostly confined to the midfield. As the match progressed, Dempo SC's Kapil Hoble came up with a swift move down the right flank with a pass to Beevan D'Mello, who relayed the ball to onrushing Uttam Rai. However, the latter's rasping drive was blocked by Cavelossim custodian Ram Sroop.
In the 14th minute, Dempo SC’s Nickson Cantanha was yellow carded for a foul tackle on Rayman Fernandes. Four minutes later another the yellow card was shown to Rahul Kumar for a reckless tackle on Dempo SC’s Beevan D’Mello.
The Golden Eagles finally surged ahead in the 34th minute when Kapil Hoble sent a pass to Nickson who went on to net the first goal for his side.
In the 45th minute Uttam Rai increased the lead for Dempo SC as he scored off a pass from Beevan just before the first half could end. At half time, the score was 2-0 in favour of Dempo SC.
Post resumption, Dempo SC made their first substitution by replacing Kapil Hoble with Steven Fernandes. Simultaneously, Santa Cruz Club Cavelossim made two switches by replacing Rayman Fernandes with Melwin Fernandes and Floyd Fernandes with Lavino Fernandes.
In the 51th minute, Santa Cruz Club Cavelossim scored their first goal through the newly substituted Melwin.
In the 56th minute, Dempo SC’s Mohammad Ali was shown the yellow card by referee Tejas Nagvekar for a foul tackle on the rival custodian. A minute later Lavino sent a pass to Joshua Vaz who shot on the crossbar and missed a golden scoring opportunity for Cavelossim.
In the 75th minute, Beevan D’Mello made the most of an opportunity and increased the tempo of the game as he sent a cross to Uttam who neatly placed the ball home and raised the tally to 3-1.
In the 81st minute, Samir Naik, the former India International was shown the yellow card for a foul tackle on Cavelossim’s Mario Mascarenhas.
During the injury time, Rahul Kumar made a reckless tackle on Dempo SC’s Aniston Fernandes for which his side was awarded with a penalty which was taken by Uttam who made the most of it and netted in his third goal for the day.
MATCHBOX
Dempo Sports Club- Santa Cruz Club Cavelossim
4 Shots on goals 6
4 Corners 3
5 Free kicks 7
7 Fouls 5
3 Yellow cards 1
0 Red cards 0
SCOREBOX
Dempo Sports Club- 4 (Nickson Cantanha34, Uttam Rai45+,75,90+) beat
Santa Cruz Club Cavelossim 1 (Melwin Fernandes,51)
Kick off: 4.00 p.m
Half time: 2-0
