TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: The stadium went into raptures when substitute Reagan Pereira scored the equalizer in the 90th minute to give Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club a hard-fought deserving point as they held defending champions Salgaocar Football Club to a 1-1 draw in a round seven match of Goa Airtel Pro League football at Duler Stadium, here, Wednesday. Salgaocar led 1-0 at half time.
Salgaocar remain on second place with 14 points while Laxmi Prasad on fifth spot with 11 points.
Salgaocar coach Derrick Pereira was aware of Laxmi Prasad’s potential after playing a 2-2 draw in a pre-season practice match. The Salgaocar tactician did not take chances and fielded a strong team with Scottish Darryl Duffy partnering debutant France’s Claude Gnakpa while skipper Rocus Lamare controlled the midfield.
It was a dream debut for the French striker as he gave his team the lead in the 10th minute. Gilbert Oliveira took a dangerous flag-kick that sailed over the rival defence and found the six-feet Claude, who powerfully headed in past Laxmi Prasad custodian Reagan Juliao.
Laxmi Prasad had hardly settled and were left stunned. They took time to get back into the match as their rivals did not allow their midfield to function.
However, in the 34th minute Laxmi Prasad skipper Remus Gomes earned his team a penalty as he was brought down by rival defender Nicolao Colaco in the danger zone. Referee Melwin D’Costa without hesitation pointed out to the penalty spot and booked Nicolao. Steven Fernandes stepped up for the penalty-kick but the stylish midfielder couldn’t hold his nerves and shot wide.
Just before the lemon break, Laxmi Prasad had another chance to level score but striker Alvito Miranda headed over the cross bar with only Salgaocar custodian Albino Gomes at his mercy off a cross from Avelino Fernandes.
Changing over, the match settled into a familiar pattern as the ball was restricted in the midfield.
However, Laxmi Prasad equalized in the last minute of the regulation time through Reagan Pereira who had come in place of Nerry Alfonso. Reagan’s 30-yard effort bounced in front of goalkeeper Albino, who couldn’t judge the ball as it made its way into the goal, much to the delight of the Laxmi Prasad supporters who turned out in large numbers.
