TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Wilred Leisure Sports Club breezed past St Cruz Club of Cavelossim 2-1 in an Airtel GFA Pro League relegation match at Duler Stadium, here, Sunday.
Wilred led 1-0 at the breather. Margao SC have already been relegated, the stands have been empty but the teams took on the field in high spirits, filled with local talents putting up a good show.
Agnelo Colaco gave Wilred the lead in the very second minute while Jhonny D’Cruz doubled their advantage in the second session. Agnelo D’Souza scored a consolation for Cavelossim.
After 11 matches, Wilred have collected 13 points while Cavelossim are on 12 points.
The teams played in a 4-4-2 set up which saw Agnelo D’Souza and Prestly Colaco upfront for Cavelossim while Jaison Pereira partnered alongside Melwin Fernandes for Wilred.
The last time the sides met in a round seven clash, Wilred edged out their opponents 2-1 and the Curtorim-based side got off to a dream start today, taking the lead in the very second minute.
Agnelo made a quick run down the right flank and his attempted cross crashed into the rival nylons, living goalkeeper Jason D’Mello stunned.
Then onwards Wilred played with confidence as Jaison Pereira tried his luck from long range.
Cavelossim were trying hard to get back into the match with Agnelo, who scored a double hat-trick in their previous match, making dangerous runs forward.
Their best chance came at the half hour mark but Agnelo’s close ranger was thwarted by Wilred custodian Macklas Moraes in a one-to-one situation. Before the break, Wilton Gomes saw his edge of the box free-kick sail inches over.
Post resumption, Cavelossim accelerated their tempo but keeper Macklas came up with two brilliant saves, denying Agnelo’s close ranger and Wilton’s 25-yard free-kick.
However, Wilred scored their second through veteran Jhonny D’Cruz, who slotted home of a counter-attack move by Melwin.
In the 70th minute, Cavelossim pulled one back as Marcus beat a host of defenders and placed the ball on the platter to unmarked Agnelo to make 2-1.
Johnny was adjudged Most Valuable Player and took home a cash prize of Rs 2,500.
