Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Riding on a brace by Akeraj Martin, Sporting Clube de Goa produced a masterclass display to get the better of FC Goa 3-1 in the Goa Professional League match, played at Duler Stadium, here on Sunday.
Both teams needing a win to better their league position saw Sporting move to the top of the table with 25 points from 15 matches, while FC Goa remain fourth with 23 points from 13 outings.
Flaming Orange were leading 2-0 at half time with Akeraj Martin scoring two goals while George D’Souza also got his name on the score-sheet. Aaren D`Silva pulled one goal back for the Junior Gaurs.
Sporting held the upper hand over their rivals and opened the scoring in the 19th minute from a free-kick which was taken by set-piece specialist George D’Souza which nestled directly into the nets leaving no chance to the keeper, 1-0
It did not take long for Sporting to consolidate their lead when Marcus Mascarenhas disposed a FC Goa defender and relayed the ball to Akeraj Martins whose stinging shot crashed into the net despite the valiant attempt by keeper Dylan Da Silva’s, 2-0.
Trailing by two goals FC Goa coach Derick Pereira changed his tactic’s and made a positive change by bringing in forward Lalawmpuia for Sezwin Fernandes and it was a masterstroke as they pulled a goal back minutes later.
Lalawmpuia released the ball to overlapping left back Serineo who whipped in a dangerous cross into the box which saw Aaren D`Silva leap high and nod the ball into the goal with Sporting keeper completely beaten, 2-1
FC Goa`s chances of getting back into the match diminished when they were reduced to ten men when their forward Lalnuntluanga was sent off in the 64th minute for two bookable offense in quick succession first bringing down Akeraj Martins and then for dissent as he clapped on referee Prasad Surlakar’s decision. The referee quickly reacted to him and showed him the second yellow card followed by the red card.
Tempers flew as the match progressed where the coaches of both the teams were cautioned by referee Prasad after FC Goa defender dangerous tackle on Sporting`s George D`Souza.
However minutes later, Akeraj Martins sealed the match and the full three points for Sporting through a clinical chest control finish from a delicious cross delivered into the cross by substitute Stendly Fernandes, 3-1.
