Team Herald
MAPUSA: Salgaocar Football Club scored a fluent 2-0 win over Dempo Sports Club in the U-18 I-League Goa zone match played at Duler Stadium, here, on Sunday.
At halftime, Salgaocar FC led by a goal, coming from the boots of Devendra Murgaonkar.
Both the teams took off on an attacking note and had their strikers converted from the numerous goal-scoring opportunities that came their way, the score sheet would have read much differently.
In the early minutes of the match, Liston Colaco saw his curling 20-yard freekick sail just over the Dempo SC cross piece.
Salgaocar FC’s Shayne Rodrigues did a remarkable job on the right flank, however, his strikers failed to deliver the goods upfront time and again.
Couple of minutes later, Dempo SC’s Aaron Rodrigues sent a lovely through pass to skipper Kapil Hoble, who to the surprise of his teammates blasted the ball wide.
In the 15th minute, Selwyn Miranda failed to get his feet to a low cross by Shayne.
Two minutes later, Brivon Dias got the better of his marker and set up unmarked Kapil Hoble, who once again shot wide from handshaking distance.
In the 30th minute, Salgaocar FC managed to break the deadlock when Devendra Devendra made a vicious run and on seeing the keeper off his line flicked the ball into the goal, 1-0.
Devendra could have scored his brace three minutes later, however, he failed to give finishing touches to Shayne Rodrigues’ cross.
At the other end, Shubert Pereira sent a pinpoint cross to Vincy Barretto who having only the keeper to beat shot wide.
Ten minutes on crossing over, Dempo SC almost restored parity. However, Boris D’Mello’s powerful right footer from the edge on the box banged the Salgaocar FC’s horizontal bar.
In the 23rd minute, Boris sent the ball towards Sarineo Fernandes, who shot from inside the 18-yard box, missed the target by a whisker.
Dempo SC came attacking time and again in search of the equalizer. However, Salgaocar FC defender Stephen Alvares put up a splendid performance to cut their moves in the bud itself.
A minute before the end of regulation time, Salgaocar FC sealed the fate of the match in their favour when Liston ran up the left flank and sent a low cross which was guided home by Shayne, 2-0.
