the goan I network
MARGAO
Velsao Sports & Cultural Club produced a stunning display to beat champions Salgaocar FC 2-0 in the Geno First Division League and qualify for Goa Professional League.
Velsao struck in either half in the match played at SAG Artificial Turf, Fatorda on Friday to secure their promotion. Selwyn Miranda scored the opener in the 10th minute, while Anthony Cardozo added the second in the 55th minute.
Despite Velsao finishing second behind Salgaocar FC, they earned the proportion as the Green Brigade are already plying their trade in Goa Pro League and have been using the first division league as a platform to give more playing time to their youngsters. Salgaocar FC fielded a second string team and rested key players like striker Ronaldo Olveira, Stephen Satarkar, midfielders Arif Pathan, Chaitana Komarpant, Rollwin Almeida.
Without their regulars, the Greens lost their edge and failed to function as a unit. Regular goalkeeper Dipanjan Debnath and midfielder Karthik Kaushik came in the second half, but that hardly made any difference.
In effect, it was Velsao who were faced with a must-win situation to qualify for the Pro League and they broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Melwyn Miranda beat the Salgaocar FC reserve goalkeeper Utkarsh Deshmukh with a snap shot. The goal boosted Velsao as they mounted more pressure on the rivals.
Velsao had a chance to double the lead but Melwyn Miranda fumbled in front of the rival goal. After the misses, Velsao had couple of more scoring chances but their forwards misfired from close. Post resumption, Velsao continued in same vein with their forwards moving forward, pressing hard.
At the other end, Salgaocar FC brought in fresh legs but could not do anything extraordinary to change the scoreline. Salgaocar did have a chance to reduce the margin but striker Kevin Negredo shot wide from close range, off midielder Jovan
Dias’ pass.
Velsao put the issue beyond doubt when Anthony Cardozo tapped it home off Agnelo Colaco’s measured pass in the 55th minute. Salgaocar FC had their last chance in the closing moments of the game but Oilex Olveira’s feeble push went straight into the hands of waiting substitute goalie Dipanjan Debnath.
According to First Division league regulations, head to head results will be taken into count when Velsao Sports & Cultural Club and St Savio Sports Club, Calangute are found tied on points. Velsao displaced St Savio Sports to be second on head to
head count.
Velsao coach Jonathan Faleiro turned the team loaded with talent into a winning combination. “It’s not just about me,” Faleiro said after the match, adding “I salute my players. I need to salute the management for their support. The team spirit has been excellent... I want to dedicate this win to the boys and also thank the sponsors, Johaain and SeaPearl Fisheries.”
