THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Sporting Clube de Goa secured a 2-0 win against Maharashtra Oranje FC in the I-League 2, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Thursday.
Rohan Rodrigues scored a fine first half brace to give the Goan side three points and secure the top spot in the standings for the first time this season. Sporting have 10 points from five games after three wins, a draw and defeat. SC Bengaluru are second with nine points.
Oranje were high on confidence after back-to-back victories and pinned Sporting in their own half for the initial minutes.
However, Sporting slowly got into their rhythm and settled down.
Sporting surged ahead in the 11th minute when Rohan Rodrigues headed in a precise ball from Biswa Darjee from the left flank.
The Third Division champions had a glorious opportunity to double their advantage when striker Alister Anthony was brought down inside the danger zone by Oranje's Jayesh Kurup. Alister stepped up for the spot kick but unfortunately his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Pratik Jadhav.
With four minutes to go for the break, Rohan was in the limelight once again. Mideo Shelton Nickson picked up Rohan with a perfect long ball. The winger cut past Oranje's Noel Dias and hammered in a grounder past Pratik.
Soon after the restart, Alister had two chances but his effort lacked power and then his header was tipped over to safety by the rival keeper.
Oranje tried hard to claw their way back into the match but Sporting keeper Dylan Da Silva, centre-backs Joyner Lourenco and Joel Colaco stood firm at the back.
Sporting will next face Goan rivals Dempo SC in a fiery clash on Monday at Dempo Academy ground, Ella, Old Goa.
Sporting Clube moved to second spot after FC Bengaluru United played out a 2-2 draw against United SC in Bengaluru.
Hence, FC Bengaluru remain on top of the standings with 10 points after five matches as they have a better goal difference than Sporting Clube, who also have the same number of points. Sporting Clube are second while Sporting Club Bengaluru are third with nine points.
