Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Clube de Salgaocar had an easy outing as they trounced Churchill Brothers FC by 4-0 margin in the inaugural match of Goa Professional League played at Duler Stadium, here, on Thursday.
Salgaocar went into the breather with three goals cushion being scored by Reezvon Fernandes, Isac Zomuanpuia and Denil Rebello.
Skipper Pratesh Shirodkar was instrumental in all the three goals for Clube de Salgaocar.
In the very 3rd minute, Pratesh Shirodkar sent a curling cross from the left flank to well positioned Reezvon, who coolly tapped the ball into the goal, 1-0.
In the 18th minute, Clube de Salgaocar almost doubled their lead but Churchill Brothers’ defender Anuj Kuttikar came with a brilliant goalline clearance to block Clube de Salgaocar Wendell’s header entering the goal.
As the match progressed, in the 25th minute, Pratesh winning the ball from the Churchill Brothers player passed the ball to Selwyn Miranda who dribbled past a host of rival defenders set up Clube de Salgaocar’s striker Isac Zomuanpuia who placed the ball into the far corner of the goal, 2-0.
Clube de Salgaocar continued on their domination and netted their third goal in the 39th minute of play with Denil scoring from the penalty spot.
Pratesh was brought down by Churchill Brothers’ Amit Bisht inside the 18-yard box, where Referee Mario Pereira without any hesitation pointed to the dreaded spot.
Churchill Brothers coach Mohamed Ansif though fielded almost nine outstation players, did not make one single positive attacking move at the opponent goal.
On crossing over, both the teams restricted play mostly in the midfield with both the coaches bringing fresh legs.
It was only in the 91st minute that Clube de Salgaocar pumped in their fourth goal this time once again from the penalty spot.
Referee caught Churchill Brothers substitute Mohammed Saukant push Clube de Salgaocar’s Thokchom Singh and awarded the penalty which was coolly converted by substitute Joshua D’Silva 4-0.
Clube de Salgaocar’s Isac Zomuanpuia received the man-of-the-match award from Anthony Pango, Goa Football Association’s vice-president.
Meanwhile, the second match between Dempo SC and Geno FC was stopped after 15 minutes of play as the floodlights stopped functioning.
Later after 30 minutes of long wait, the Match Commissioner Prasad Surlekar called off the match.