DULER
FC Goa maintained their unbeaten start to their Goa Pro League campaign as the developmental team played out a goalless draw against Vasco SC at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Saturday.
In an encounter that was marked more by the physical side of the game, the Gaurs managed to get the upper hand for most of the game but failed to make it count during their pronounced spells of possession. They, though, did look the favourites to take home all three points early on as they peppered the Vasco goal in the opening half an hour. However, an astute performance from the veteran Luis Barretto in the Vasco goal kept his team in the game.
It was Jovial Dias who tested the bearings of the keeper with a swerving effort in the 21st minute. Five minutes later, it was central midfielder Brison Fernandes, whose strike from a free-kick seemed destined to ripple the net but for the timely intervention from an outstretched Barreto.
The Young Gaurs continued to push for the opener with Jovial again testing the Vasco keeper with an effort in the 34th minute. However, it was not to be as the teams went into half-time with scores still level at 0-0.
It was Vasco who came out the brighter of the two sides following the break. This time it was the turn of Hensel Coelho, in the FC Goa goal to come up trumps as Vasco forced him into making two vital stops within the first 10 minutes of the restart.
Unfortunately for the spectators at the ground, there was little goalmouth action in the final 30 minutes with Britto Perreira's 73rd-minute attempt being the only one of note. While the Young Gaurs had to share the spoils, the point sees Deggie Cardozo's boys move up to fourth on the league table, edging out Salgaocar on goal difference.
