Adarsh edge out Guirim, qualify
gfa 3rd div
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
MAPUSA, SEPT 26
Sandesh Chopdekar scored the only goal in the 61st minute to secure a play-off place for Adarsh Yuvak Sangh (Saligao) which enabled them to defeat Guirim Youth Association 1-0 in GFA’s Third Division at Anjuna ground on Sunday. The match was goalless at the breather.
Adarsh only needed a draw to qualify for the play-off. Guirim, who had lost all their previous matches, were looking to close their 3rd Division adventure with something to show for it.
Adarsh were missing five key players from their usual line-up and their captain Francis Fernandes, who usually leads the defence, had to play in the goal. He did well to keep a clean sheet but was not really tested by the opponents.
Guirim played well and had improved from their earlier performances where they had conceded 25 goals in four matches and only scored four before this match. Their main difficulty has been finding enough players. For this match they only had eleven and did not have any substitutes to replace tired legs which hindered their performance.
Adarsh started brightly and raided the rival goal. Sandesh Chopdekar came close as he tried to chip the ball over the goalkeeper.
Guirim were reduced to ten men momentarily when Sandesh Bhaine had to go off injured but returned after five minutes.
In the 16th Luke D’souza netted for Guirim but his effort was ruled off-side. Guirim had a number of chances to score but could not break the deadlock.
After the interval Adarsh attacked more furiously as they sensed that if they just sat back and looked for a draw they may get hit on the counter. Their breakthrough came in the 61st when Sandesh Chopdekaer jumped highest in the box to head home a corner which looped over rival custodian Reagan Sanpayo’s head.
Holiday Sports Club topped the group with 12 points. Adarsh also finished with 12 points but had an inferior goal difference. St Sebastian, Mapusa finished on 9 points, followed by PVC Association on 7 points. Sai Avtar finished fifth with 4 points while Guirim failed to register a point.
