Nagoa qualify for Bardez semis
gfa 3rd div
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
MAPUSA, NOV 25
A triumphant Nagoa Sporting Club qualified for the Bardez Zone semi-finals after defeating Holiday Sports Club, Arpora 3-1 in GFA’s Third Division play-off, at Duler Stadium, here, on Thursday. Nagoa led 1-0 at the interval.
Nagoa, who had opportunities galore in the first round will now face the winners of the match between St Domnic Savio Sports Club and Candolim Sports Club.
Nagoa managed to make good use of the ball and shot on target with the few chances they got.
Holiday did not keep hold off the ball long enough to threaten their opponents and gave away possession too easily at the back.
Holiday’s midfield maestro, Sameer Naik tested the Nagoa keeper early with a shot from a distance which looked to be dipping in, before it was wonderfully tipped over for a corner.
In the 23rd, Nagoa’s opener involved some good build-up play in the box. Somshekar Kumar crossed from the right side and Saish Palyekar managed to lay the ball off for Joelif Simoes to hammer in. The ball proved too hot to handle for the Holiday custodian as he barely managed to get his finger tips on the ball.
After change of ends, Holiday had the chance to equalise, when the Nagoa defence fumbled the ball at the back, but Joseph Rodrigues could not keep his shot on target.
At the other end, the Holiday custodian saved well after Joelif shot goal bound.
With 15 minutes left, Holiday went for a goal. Kalpesh Naik moved from the right wing to the centre of midfield and right back Cyril Lucas was thrown onto the left wing to exploit his pace going forward.
In the 78th minute, as Holiday went forward for a corner, they were caught on the break and Nagoa moved the ball down their left side at lightning speed before Lawrence Rodrigues slammed home to double Nagoa’s lead.
Holiday continued to push forward and they were rewarded when Vishnu Singh cut the ball back for Joseph Rodrigues to punt home from close range.
Later in the injury time, Nagoa sealed victory with the third goal after substitute Francis Coutinho heading in from a cross from Lawrence Rodrigues.
