MAPUSA: Francisco Fernandes’ two-goal blitz propelled Assonora United to a 3-1 win over Holy Cross Arambol in the Goa Football Association Second Division League match played at Poriat ground, on Tuesday.
It was Arambol who took the lead in 20th minute through Stephelton’s clinical finish from a long ball by Anthony Fernandes.
Assonora United regrouped from the early setback and scored two quick goals in the 37th and 39th minutes through substitute Francisco Fernandes whose firm grounders had no answer to the Arambol keeper.
Crossing ends, Assonora were reduced to 10-men when keeper Pranal was shown the red card by referee Deepraj Sangelkar after he had brought down Stephelton outside the penalty box. From the resultant direct free-kick no damage was done.
Despite trailing by a goal, Assonora kept creating chances wherein Francis’ 30-yard shot hit the post and rebounded into play and then minutes later Vishnu Pawar’s placement off a cross by Francis was well stopped by the Arambol keeper Amit Rane.
Stephelton Fernandes squandered a golden sitter which would have put Arambol on level terms when his clever lob at an unguarded goal went out to the disbelief of his teammates.
Diksha finally sealed the match for Assonora by scoring in the third goal.
