TEAM HERALD
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MAPUSA: In an epic battle, Clube Sao Minguel de Taleigao and Corps of Signals played out a goalless draw in GFA’s 1st Division football at Sangolda ground, Wednesday.
Vincy Fernandes was the lone booking for Sao Minguel, while Lalrem Ruata and Sreejith R. were the Signals players who were cautioned.
Sao Minguel nearly went ahead just after three minutes when Pramod Mardolkar raced forward, but his shot was just wide off the post. Two minutes later, Sao Minguel caught Signals on the backfoot, but Gautham Kankonkar could not provide the finish.
At the other end, Budhi Bahadur crossed for Signals, but Lalrut Fela found himself crowded by the alert Sao Minguel defence.
In the 18th minute Sao Minguel forward Gautham collided dangerously in the air with Signals defender Asangir Sha. The medical staff worked efficiently to make sure Gautham’s cheek bone was fine, but he could play no further and was replaced by Xamaro Rodrigues. Asangir was back in the thick of the action for Signals with his head thoroughly bandaged.
In the 24th minute, Sao Minguel’s Ivo Fernandes saw his shot from distance tipped over by the athletic Signals goalkeeper.
Changing over, Roshan Singh pivoted into a good position, but his shot was cleared. Later, Roshan fired low, but Sao Minguel custodian Soma Korgaonkar pulled off a save with his feet.
Sao Minguel did not have to wait long for their best opportunity of the half, when Xamaro spun in a short corner, which was lofted on by Vincy and Pramod pounced on the goalline to head, but his effort was blocked.
In the final five minutes, Sao Minguel brought in Anthony Levino Pereira into the midfield and Cedric Peixoto upfront as they desperately hurled balls forward. Cedric came close with a header from a Xamaro cross, but Sao Minguel could not find the breakthrough and had to be content with a point.
