PANJIM: Churchill Brothers and Vasco Sports Club played out a 1-1 draw in the Goa Professional League, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Wednesday.
There were two penalties in the game and Churchill Brothers couldn’t convert both of them.
Not their fault. They were facing one of the most experienced players Luis Barretto who was the Vasco goal keeper and blocked both the penalties in style
Churchill Brother’s Afdal created problems for Vasco defence. However, both his early attempts were saved by the Vasco custodian.
At the other end, Vasco had a great chance when Francis Fernandes played a long through pass to Beevan D’Mello. However, before the striker could react, Churchill keeper Nora was quick to leave his line and collect the ball.
The match turned out physical, when Churchill’s Afdal and Vasco’s Sanwil got into altercation and the referee cautioned both the players.
Churchill’s Afdal was lucky to remain on the field when he heavily tackled Vasco’s Kuldeep despite referee blowing his whistle moments earlier for his previous faults.
Churchill Brothers were awarded their first penalty when Afdal Mondal dramatically went down in the box with a slightest touch. Clencio Pinto stepped up tried his luck but Luis put a strong arm and saved the spot kick which brushed the post and went out.
In the second half, Francisco Fernandes sent in a through pass to Beevan, who then cut back to Sanwil, who then made the hard work and set up Beevan for an open goal. Vasco’s new signing scored in second consecutive game for the Port Towners after making his switch from Dempo SC.
Afdal then once again earned a penalty for his side. However, once again, Luis proved his supremacy in goal and this time against Rajender Singh (Raju).
Churchill finally scored in the 85th minute and it was their defender Keenan Almeida who nodded in a cross from the flank.
“It is disgrace that such referees are appointed for Goa Professional League. I have raised the question on many occasions but association is not taking any action and today it was hight to stupidity. There were many wrong decisions but the special one was offside when our player was better position to score the flag was raised. Surprisingly our player was atleast 4-5 feet inside before their last man but assistant referee raised the flag to support our opponents,” said Vasco SC Club director Football Ravish Nagvekar.
“It doesn’t matter for referees if they make mistakes as match commissioners cover them and don’t put anything against them in the report. On the other hand, they have their private jobs and refereeing is just their part time but players do so much hard work to perform at this stage. Association should do something in this matter otherwise football which is already going down in the state will soon lose its charm,” he added.
