the goan I network
DULER
Vasco Sports Club played their hearts out to score in the first session to register a hard-fought 1-0 win over Guardian Angel Sports Club in a 15th round match of the Goa Professional League organised by GFA, played at Duler stadium, here on Friday.
After their absorbing last league match against Football Club de Bardez, with whom they drew 3-3, Vasco coach Eban Mesquita came with two changes in his starting line-up -- Clive Coelho and Leny Fernandes in Friday’s encounter. At the other end, after their victory against SCC Cavelossim, Guardian Angel in-charge Riston Rodrigues also came with two changes, starting with Allen Fernandes and Alson Fernandes in the defence. After the win, Vasco have 12 points from 11 matches, while Guardian Angel have 17 points from 12 matches.
The first 10 minutes of the first session, Port Towners came with a series of attacks on the rival citadel, but none of the strikes from Anil Gaoncar, Clive Coelho, Schubert Pereira and Guinean Vasseba Youre hit the back of the nylons. In the 11th minute, finally, Angel’s Nigerian recruit Yakubu Mohammad had a chance to put his team ahead but shot wide from close, and minutes later, a 35-yard strike from Rayman Fernandes sailed over the horizontal bar.
After some midfield play in the 42nd minute, Vasco keeper Amit Biswas came up with an excellent save, as he pushed a stiff grounder from Joval Fernandes for a corner. Three minutes later, Vasco’s Anil Gaoncar moved upfront from the right flank and sent a neat through pass to substitute Franky Oliveiro whose first touch at the ball materialised into the opening goal and the eventual winner for the Port Towners, 1-0.
On crossing ends, Angel’s colts took the field with determination of netting an equaliser. However it was some outstanding keeping by Amit Biswas, who along with the last line of defence marshalled by Myran Pereira and Treyson D’Costa, held on to their one-goal lead.
Angel’s striker Yakubu Mohammed weaved his way past a host of Vasco defenders and latched on to a left-footer which was pushed for a corner by keeper Amit with a diving save. In the 77th minute, Angel’s Aslon Oliveira connected a blistering right-footer off a cross by right back Allen Fernandes which banged the top corner of the goal.
Luck did not smile on Guardian Angel as they came up with repeated attacks with Yakubu Mohammad playing the central role. Angel’s Perryson Rebello well executed free kick was then blocked to safety by keeper Amit. Minutes later, Yakubu twice did the spadework for Perryson but the latter failed to deliver the goods from close.
PLAYING TODAY
Calangute Association vs Goan Football Club, Duler, 4 pm
