MARGAO
Cortalim Villagers Social Welfare Club blanked Panjim Footballers 2-0 in GFA's Goa Professional League, at Nagoa Panchayat Sports Complex, on Wednesday.
The winners led 1-0 at the half time
The first half commenced with Cortalim Villagers displaying their dominance in game right from the start as they launched a relentless attack against the capital city side, creating various opportunities to lead early on. They also successfully held Panjim at bay by denying them every opportunity to score.
Cortalim Villagers kicked off with a promising through ball, swiftly thwarted by a vigilant Panjim defender. The early moments intensified when striker Vikram Venkatachalam fired a powerful shot from outside the D-line on first attack. Despite the skillful attempt, the keeper’s deft save denied an early lead.
At the other end, Panjim Footballers made couple of attempt at the rival goal but Cortalim Villagers defender thwarted their attempts.
Cortalim Villagers' breakthrough came at the stroke of half-time when Saeesh Halarnkar bulged the net giving no chance to the Panjim Footballers Vipin Sharma.
The second half began with another attack by Cortalim Villagers when Cyril Dias managed to intercept the ball from rival player and utilise this opportunity he made a run towards the post beating the defense of Panjim but their keeper came forward and collected the ball safely before Cyril Dias could attempt a shot.
Cortalim Villagers displayed their attacking skills as the pressured to score a goal mounted up, and did create some opportunities but they found themselves shackled by the defense of Panjim Footballers who held them back successfully each and every time.
Cortalim Villagers put the issue beyond doubt when midfielder Priston Fernandes found the roof of the net in the 67th minute off an assist from Ronil Azavedo.
Stung by the double blows , Panjim Footballers skillfully exploited Cortalim Villagers but their defense were alert at frustrating their attacks.
Cortalim Villagers had scoring chances but their forwards misfired from hand shaking distance.
In other matches, Dempo and FC Goa battled it out in an intense 1-1 draw, with Sitroy Carvalho canceling out Dempo's lead scored through Jordan Borges. At the Sirsaim ground, Geno FC asserted their dominance with a 2-0 victory over YBT, courtesy of goals from Chaitan Komarpant and Faheez.
