PANAJI
FC Goa developmental team fought their way to a third successive win in the Goa Professional League on Friday at Duler Stadium, thanks to goals from Romeo Fernandes and Kapil Hoble.
Despite a valiant display from Velsao Sports and Cultural Club, especially on the wings, the young Gaurs stayed true to their style of play and eked out three vital points.
Deggie Cardozo made two changes to the team that impressed in the win over Dempo SC last time around. In walked Deeshank Kunkalikar and Christy Davis in place of the injured Sarineo Fernandes and Malsawmtluanga Ralte.
The young Gaurs started brightly with Hoble testing the keeper in the 4th minute itself with his low shot aimed at the near post. Presley Mascarenhas in the Velsao goal though was equal to the task as he went down swiftly to his right to affect the save. Velsao’s first real chance came on the counter in the 14th minute. However, decisive play from Brian Faria at the back helped thwart the attack.
Vaseem Inamdar and Delton Colaco looked particularly dangerous upfront for FC Goa while Brison Fernandes alongside HP Lalremruata held the keys to their midfield dominance in the opening half an hour.
The game came alive late in the first half when both sides were awarded penalties within minutes of each other. None of the sides, though, could make the most of their opportunities as Hoble missed the target for the Gaurs while Jesloy Moniz’s attempt was saved by Dylan D’Silva in the FC Goa goal.
Cardozo’s boys finally reaped the benefits of their domination on the hour mark. Delton did well to play in Inamdar, who in turn beat his man before attempting to finish via a nutmeg when one-on-one with the keeper. His efforts saw the ball deflect off of Mascarenhas’ leg before falling kindly for the onrushing Romeo, who tapped it in from close range.
Velsao didn’t give in despite the setback and gave it their all with the likes of Moniz, Savelon Cardozo and Ganesh Thakur giving FC Goa lots to ponder about in the dying minutes of the contest.
The FC Goa defence stood strong to end the game as they finally hit the dagger with a goal from Hoble in the 8th minute of added-on time. The win takes the Gaurs back to second on the table, level on points with Salgaocar FC with the Greens having a game in hand.
