TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MAPUSA: Aivao United FC and Crown Club, St Cruz played to a goalless draw in GFA Third Division League football at Dr Remigio Pinto ground, Taleigao, Monday.

The teams started in unimpressive fashion with neither team maintaining ball possession in the entire game. The teams had their share of chances but failed to capitalize and hence the match finished goalless.

It was Aivao United FC forward Vijay Viegas who pumped in a venomous shot out of the box in the 10^th minute but Crown Club goalkeeper Presley Araujo was up to the task and pulled of a spectacular save. In a few moments, Vijay tested Presley yet again with a chip which eventually hit the side post.

Aivao tried to forge ahead and conducted some well orchestrated raids but could bulge the nylon.

Crown tried to get back into the game in the 35^th minute when midfielder Sanford Gonsalves’ shot deflected off the Aivao defender and was heading to the top corner but Presley came to his side’s rescue yet again and denied Crown Club a chance to break the deadlock.

Vilas Silva was booked for bringing down Crown’s Sayad Sultan in the 43^rd  minute when he was beginning to build a promising move.

In the second half, the teams continued to attack each others citadels but failed to convert their opportunities.

In the add-on time, Crown could have easily snatched the match-winner, only if Neon De Souza passed to the onrushing Milind rather then shooting wide with only the rival goalkeeper at his mercy.

Meanwhile at St Cruz ground, Nauxim SC and Aivao Youth Club played a 1-1 draw. Vinay Shirvaikar gave Aivao YC the lead for in the 16^th minute. However, their joy was shortlived when Yogesh Mashelkar restored parity for Nauxim SC in the 26^th minute. The scoreline remained unchanged till the end of the game.