TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Aivao Youth Club thumped Crown Club of St Cruz 2-0 in a GFA 3rd Division League (Ilhas zone) match at Santa Cruz ground, Tuesday. The winners led 1-0 at the breather.
After a slow start to the proceedings, Crown Club came close to scoring with Ashloy Almeida’s powerful free-kick, but the latter’s 30-yarder sailed inches over.
At the other end, Aivao were looking dangerous in their moves as Santosh Shirodkar intelligently set up Gaurav Kankonkar in an ideal position but his close ranger was parried away by rival keeper Presley Fernandes.
However, minutes later at the half hour mark, Aivao surged ahead through a set piece. Defender Damodar Naik sent in a dangerous indirect free-kick inside the danger zone which goalkeeper Presley failed to collect and the ball fell at the feet of Santosh, who tapped in from hand-shaking distance.
Crown Club were unlucky before the break when Ravi Rodrigues’ header kissed the crosspiece.
After resumption, Aivao continued to dictate terms and doubled their lead in the 61st minute after Gaurav nodded in off a flag-kick from Santosh.
After four matches, Aivao registered their first victory of the campaign to remain on four points while Crown Club have seven points.
At Dr Remigio Pinto ground, Taleigao, Kevnem Sports Club blanked Ronit Sports Club 2-0. Vinod Mudgaonkar gave Kevnem the lead in the seventh minute while Mithu Kundaikar scored the second goal in the 85th minute.
CDJ Ribandar blanked Portais Sporting Club 2-0.
In the Bardez zone, Vailankanni FSC, Morjim scored a solitary goal victory over Anjuna Gymkana.
In the Salcete Zone play-off, Union of Chinchinim breezed past Madopa SC 2-1.
Our Lady of Gloria SC defeated Nuvem SC 3-4 via the tie-breaker after both the teams failed to open an account in the regulation time.
