PANAJI
A fine hat-trick by Beneston Barretto inspired Guardian Angel Sports Club to down Salgaocar FC 3-1 in the Goa Football Association Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Monday.
Salgaocar FC made three changes in their line-up from their 0-1 defeat to Panjim Footballers as Meuren Cruz came in as the U-20 player while Saurabh Patil and Stephen Satarkar were the other two changes. Leny Fernandes was the lone change for Guardian Angel who held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in their previous game.
Guardian Angel took a 1st-minute lead. With the Salgaocar backline exposed, Joel Barretto sent a defence-splitting pass to Beneston, who smashed in a low grounder past a helpless keeper. In the 12th minute, Salgaoacr’s Prathamesh Satardekar tried his luck from a distance and the shot was brilliantly blocked by goalkeeper Pratheesh Vadakke. Pratheesh was at his best once again to stop Meuren Cruz but he couldn't stop Salgaocar FC from scoring in the 16th minute when Steflon D’Costa headed in a Selwyn Miranda corner kick.
Guardian Angel nearly took the lead once again when Mevan Dias sent a low delivery from the right, which was met by Beneston but his effort was blocked by Salgaocar keeper Jason D’Mello. The rebound was guided in by Joval Dias, who was flagged offside by the assistant referee.
In the 53rd minute, Guardian Angel regained their lead through Beneston. Jovial Dias, on receiving the ball in the midfield, got past a Salgaocar defender and set up Beneston with a brilliant through pass. Beneston's first touch was brilliant while his finish was equally good as he kept his composure in scoring past the experienced Salgaocar keeper Jason. At the other end, Salgaocar wasted a golden chance to get back in the game when Selwyn Miranda got into the box and with just the keeper at his mercy, the midfielder fired wide.
The introduction of Valentinho Nazareth, who came in place of Antush Moniz, gave Salgaocar more attacking opportunities through the wings. The substitute sent in regular deliveries in the box but the Guardian Angel defence and the keeper managed to thwart the danger.
Guardian Angel scored the third in the 80th minute when Mevan, on getting the ball from his own half, made a fine run before sending a great ball upfront to Beneston, who covered some distance before shooting upon entering the box. Jason blocked it from the first attempt, but the rebound fell to Beneston who smashed into the empty net to complete his hat-trick.
