MAPUSA: Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim registered their second consecutive victory by getting the better of ten-men Calangute Association 1-0 in GFA’s Goa Professional League, round two football match, at Duler Stadium, here, on Friday.
The all-important goal was scored in the 11th minute by James Fernandes which made Cavelossim the only team to win both their matches after the completion of round two and help them top the standings with six points. Calangute Association are in the 10th position with a point.
Nigerian Felix Chidi Odili made his debut for Calangute Association along side under-20 Harshad Naik upfront. The signing of John Dias, the former Dempo SC and Air India player was another major boost for The Reds in defence.
After impressing in their first match victory, Cavelossim coach Severino included Estevan Mendes in the starting eleven and the striker led the attack with under-20 James.
Cavelossim’s first attacking move led by Marcus Fernandes did wonders. The promising left-winger moved dangerously down the flank and sent in a delightful low cross, hammered by James past Calangute keeper Gerard D’Mello in the 11th minute, 1-0.
Calangute created a threat just before the half hour mark after Gerrard’ goal-kick fell to Felix, who got past keeper Jovial. However, the lanky striker was brought down by the Cavelossim keeper just outside the box. Referee Shaikh Aboo awarded Jovial a yellow card but Calangute could not do much of the resultant free-kick as Basileo Rego ballooned over.
Then onwards, Cavelossim controlled the proceedings with Marcus moving like a hurricane in the rival territory and providing his forwards with accurate crosses. One of which fell to James but the latter’s close ranger was well blocked by keeper Gerard, who then denied Mario Mascarenhas’ rasping drive before the break.
In the second session, Calangute started aggressively in search of the equalizer but poor finishing let them down on two separate occasions of Edberg Sequeira’s free-kicks. First, John missed an open header while minutes later, Felix did the same when John headed towards the 24-year old.
Coach Gavin Araujo tried to change tactics by bringing on Blake Haldankar but the move back-fired. Blake was all pumped up to make an impression but in the process, made a bad one as the striker received two yellow cards for clumsy tackles and put his team down to ten-men in the 78th minute after being shown the red-card.
Even though, Calangute went all-out in the final quarter but rival defence headed by skipper Mario, Nevil Miranda, Bonny Niasso and Valinton D’Silva were simply outstanding.
