MARGAO: Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club came from behind to overpower Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim 3-2 in Goa Pro League (Super League) at government school playground, Cuncolim on Monday.
Tuff Laxmi Prasad led 2-0 at half time.
Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim held the upper hand in the opening session and troubled the rival defence with well orchestrated raids. Cavelossim could have taken the lead early when midfielder Ashley Araujo’s rasping shot hit the cross bar and later Mario Mascarenhas one-to-one situation snap shot which was well collected by Tuff Laxmi Prasad goalkeeper.
On the other hand, Tuff Laxmi, who were subdued for major part of the game came close to scoring but Nigerian striker N.D. Opara’s feeble shot went straight into the safe hands of Cavelossim goalkeeper.
Cavelossim opened the account in the 33rd minute when Marcus Fernandes beat the rival goalkeeper with neat finish off a pass from James Fernandes.
Spurred by success, Cavelossim intensified their attacks and increased the lead in the 35th minute when Allwyn Fernandes well executed free kick outsmarted the rival goalkeeper and also the human wall to give his team 2-0 cushion.
Crossing over, Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club were a transformed side with their midfielders and forwards working in tandem to put the rival defence into disarray. Immediately, Opara neutralized the lead in the 56th minute when he nodded home off a well executed cross from Macroy Peixoto.
Tuff Laxmi then erased jangling nerves and struck in the 56th minute when striker Mario headed home off well chip from N.D. Opara to make it 2-2.
A minute later, Midfielder Macroy coolness personified blasted the match winner.
At Holy Trinity ground, Benaulim, already champions Salgaocar Football Club made short work of Churchill Brothers Sports Club 2-0 after leading 1-0 at half time.
The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace by striker Umesh Harijan.
Salgaocar enjoyed the better share of exchanges and troubled the rival defence with sharp raids. The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute through Umesh.
Upset Churchill Brothers raised their game to break down the rival defence but failed to get past the rival goalkeeper.
After the break, both the teams were on even contest with both having their moments.
In the injury time 97th minute, striker Umesh sealed the rival fate with stiff shot.
