MARGAO
Vasco Sports Club held Churchill Brothers FC to a 1-1 draw in the GFA Professional League, at SAG Trinity ground, Benaulim, on Thursday.
Alent Colaco half half goal was cancelled out by an second half goal by Sorokhaibam Meteei that as both Churchill Brothers FC and Vasco Sports Club played out a 1-1 draw
Both the teams started the game on cautious note as there were few attempts at either goals.The Red Machine broke the deadlock in the fourth minute when Alent Colaco slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.
The narrative shifted towards Vasco Sports Club when Ningthujam Olen Singh collected a skillfully maneuvered shot through the left wing which was executed brilliantly by his teammate Subhajit Bhattacharjee. In the 40th minute, referee Peregino Lima ejected Churchill Brothers midfielder Alent Colaco.
At the other end, Churchill Brothers forwards countered testing the Vasco goalkeeper who rose to the occasion.
Churchill Brothers' Trijoy Dias initiated the second half with a promising football and the persistent attack saw an attempt missing the target narrowly.
The concluding moments saw the attacking prowess of The Red Machines as they tried every trick in the book to beat Vasco and win the game, but they were met by a resilient and rock solid rival defence who held them at bay disallowing each and every attempt made by them.
In the 60th minute, Vasco Sports Club fetched the equaliser when Sorokhaibam Mettei found the roof of the net.
Despite close scoring opportunities and attacking play from both sides, both teams were unable to break find the match winner.
Dempo Sports Club came from behind to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Guardian Angel Sports Club at Ella ground. The win keeps Dempo in the title race, level on points with Sporting Clube de Goa and Cortalim Villagers at the top of the table with just six matches remaining.
Guardian Angel SC started the stronger of the two sides, taking the lead through Milroy Clement's header in the 19th minute from a Fulganco Cardozo freekick. Dempo SC struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first half and went into the break trailing.
Dempo coach Remus Gomes made a triple substitution at halftime, introducing Shreyash Naik, P Lapung, and Jordan Borges, which proved to be a game-changer. The Golden Eagles emerged from the break with renewed purpose and equalized through Faseen PK's header from a Salgao Dias corner in the 55th minute.
Dempo continued to press forward and took the lead in the 68th minute when Jordan Borges slotted home after a neat setup from Salgeo Dias. Mevan Dias then sealed the win for Dempo in the 74th minute, tapping in the rebound after Shreyash Naik's shot was parried by the goalkeeper.
Dempo goalkeeper Frevino played a crucial role in securing the three points, making a couple of important saves, including one from a Gilbert freekick.
The win keeps Dempo's title hopes alive, while Guardian Angel SC will be looking to bounce back in their next match.
