MAPUSA: Alvito Miranda struck early while Presley Colaco came on as a substitute and nodded in late, in the injury time as Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club got the better of their Bardez rivals Calangute Association 2-0, in GFA’s Goa Professional League round five football match, at the jam-packed Duler Stadium, here, Friday.
Laxmi Prasad climbed to the third position in the standings with 10 points while their opponents languish in the bottom with only a point.
The all-Bardez derby attracted an overwhelming turnout and the Tuff Laxmi fans roared off their seats in the very fourth minute as their side took the lead.
After starting attackingly, Laxmi Prasad skipper Remus Gomes sent in a dangerous long ball in the rival territory which sailed over the rival defence and found Alvito. The striker skillfully chested the ball down, evaded Calangute’s Harshad Naik and fired past keeper Gerard D’Mello from inside the six-yard box, 1-0.
The Calangute supporters were left silent. They became lively only at the half hour mark when Nigerian Felix Odili set up Colin Sieiro in an ideal position. The medio came rushing and fired a powerful half volley from the edge of box but keeper Jason D’Mello blocked the effort. However, the ball rebounded to Calangute’s Gopi Gad but the under-20 ballooned over.
Changing over, Calangute started in search of the equalizer but failed to create any clear openings for their strikers.
At the other end, Laxmi Prasad looked dangerous every time they marched ahead. They could have scored their second goal when Alvito cleverly set up his striking partner Marcus Mascarenhas but Calangute center-back and captain Charles Cardoz came up with a timely tackle.
In the 68th minute, Calangute keeper Gerard clashed with Alvito in a one-to-one situation. The custodian even deliberately kicked the rival custodian on the back when both were down on the pitch but surprisingly, referee Melvin D’Costa kept his cards in his pocket.
As the match progressed in the final quarter, Edberg Sequeira came closest to score for Calangute but the medio’s rasping right-footer missed the target by inches. Colin’s fierce right-footer followed but brave hearted Remus blocked the effort with a header.
In the injury time, Laxmi Prasad sealed three points as substitute Presley nodded in off a low cross from the right flank by Marcus Mascarenhas.
