Goa Police beat Merces
first division
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
MAPUSA, JAN 28
A spectacular acrobatic bicycle kick from Pedro Araujo would definitely be a potential candidate for goal of the season, but his effort was not enough to stop Merces Sports Club losing 1-3 to Goa Police Sports Club, in First Division football at Dr. Remigio Pinto ground, Taleigao on Friday. Police led 3-0 at the lemon break.
Three goals in the space of eight minutes, which included a brace from Elias D’Sousa and a strike from Paresh Morje was enough to give Goa Police the three points.
Goa Police were strong in the forward line, especially when counter attacking. Their strike force, made up of Paresh and Elias, who were not afraid to shoot as soon as they saw the target.
Merces showed passion, enthusiasm and versatility when in possession of the ball, but there were long periods when they seemed to switch off and drift out of the game.
Two young boys were made the mascots of each team and they looked ecstatic with joy as they walked onto the field alongside the captains of the clubs at the beginning of the match.
In the 32nd minute, Paresh received the ball with his back to the goal, before turning his marker and slamming the ball into the back of the net to put Police in front.
In the 38th minute, Police right back Piedade Colaco chipped the ball towards the Merces box, where it found Elias who controlled and found the back of the net, hitting the ball on the half volley.
Less than two minutes later, from a similar position Piedade floated in a similar ball and this time Elias managed to lift it over the Merces keeper for the third.
After the breather, Merces worked hard to get back into the match.
In the 67th, Minesh Kunkolkar crossed from the right flank and Pedro netted with an outrageous overhead shot.
Kishore Palkar and Piedade Colaco were booked for Goa Police in the second half.
Goa Police have now collected seven points from three matches, while Merces are yet to record their first point.
