MAPUSA, MARCH 7
A brace by Russel Fernandes allowed newly promoted Penha de Franca to come from behind to overcome St Savio Sports Club, Calangute 3-1 in GFA’s Second Division League at Duler Stadium on Monday. Penha de Franca were leading 2-1 at half time.
Neves Noronha had given St Savio the lead early on. Midfielder Russel scored a goal in each half, while teammate Francisco Fernandes also got his name on the score sheet for Penha.
Francisco was causing St Savio problems all afternoon with his pace and quick acceleration. The Penha defence also defended well, with Bruno Fernandes playing deep at the heart of the defence to clear away danger.
St Savio did not play at all badly, but found it difficult to penetrate into the final third of the field.
In the second half, striker John Fernandes came off the bench which increased St Savio’s scoring chances.
St Savio took the lead in the 12th minute when Neves Noronha timed his run perfectly and shot low across the goal and into the back of the net.
Six minutes later, Penha were back on level terms, after Francisco dribbled down the left flank and sent the ball into the danger area for Russel to smash home.
In the 34th, Janifar Clemente swung in a corner from the left for Penha and Francisco who was the smallest player on the
field managed to jump high, unmarked on the edge of the box to put Penha in front.
After the breather, the game tempo dropped with Penha happy to get men behind the ball and preserve their slender lead.
Eight minutes from the end, Francisco crossed from the right side which substitute Govind Mahale controlled and attempted to lift over the St Savio defender Anil Naik, but the ball hit the defenders hand and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot. Russel stepped up and slotted the penalty home with ease to give Penha the three points.
