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MAPUSA: Geno FC extended their impressive run of form with a 2-0 victory over Goa Police SC, in the Goa Professional League match, held at the Duler stadium, on Monday.
Geno secured a goal in each half, with Krishna Gawas scoring in the 39th minute and Prajat Naik adding to the tally in the 55th minute.
Following this victory, Geno FC now have 25 points from 10 matches. Meanwhile, Goa Police SC, who are grappling with the exit of six first-team players and their coach, suffered their second consecutive defeat and remain on 19 points from 10 matches.
The first 25 minutes of the game saw little action of note, apart from both goalkeepers being tested once and responding with brilliant saves.
In the 9th minute, Geno’s goalkeeper Akshat Hadkonkar made a spectacular full-stretch diving save to block a powerful grounder from Kunal Salgaonkar inside the 18-yard box. At the other end, Goa Police custodian Saiesh Kunkolkar displayed excellent reflexes to thwart Arun Naik’s attempt following a clever through pass from midfielder Gourav Kankonkar.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Goa Police custodian Saiesh mishandled a cross from Mehbub Hublikar, allowing Krishna Gawas, who was positioned nearby, to nod the ball into the net, putting Geno 1-0 up.
Just two minutes later, Geno almost doubled their lead when an Under-21 player, Prajat Naik, fired a strike, but Goa Police defender Rui Noronha managed to block it for a corner.
In the second half, Geno continued to dominate. Just five minutes after the restart, Prajat Naik unleashed a stinging shot that deflected off Goa Police midfielder Mayuresh Naik for a corner.
The second goal came in the 55th minute due to a defensive lapse by Goa Police defender Siddesh Narvekar. His poor back pass to the goalkeeper was intercepted by Geno’s Prajat Naik, who skilfully dribbled past the onrushing custodian and calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-0.
Goa Police had a chance to reduce the deficit late in the game, but substitute Vaibhav Naik narrowly missed the target with his close-range effort.
In stoppage time, Goa Police custodian Saiesh Kunkolkar made two outstanding saves.
