MAPUSA: Corps of Signals started the Goa Professional League campaign with a 2-1 win over Football Club de Bardez, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.
Chand Singh and Cyril Dias were the goal scorers for Corps of Signal whereas Jessel Carneiro scored the solitary goal for FC Bardez.
In the 21st minutes, the Army men were successful in breaking the deadlock when Chand Singh made no mistake to head the ball home from inside the box off Pawan’s perfect corner, making it 1-0 for his side.
In the 29th minute, Corps punished the rivals for wasting easy chances as they doubled their lead through U-20 striker Cyril as the striker smartly sent the Bardez keeper the wrong way in a one-on-one situation after covering some ground from the halfway line. Pawan initiated the move with a defence-splitting through ball.
Bardez coach Armando Colaco brought in experienced Paresh Shivilkar replacing Joywin on the right wing to bring pace in the game and the result was quickly seen as the winger came up with a brilliant cross from his side but Corps keeper came out of his position to keep his side safe.
The second half witnessed the much improved Bardez side and took just five minutes to reduce the margin. Paresh once again sent a perfect cross into the box which was flicked to Jessel Carneiro by his teammate Floyd Fernandes. The right-back later made no mistake to finish the ball in the back of the net making it 2-1 for the Pink Brigade.
Next few minutes saw Cops U-20 striker Cyril wasting three clear-cut chances which would extend their lead.
At first he failed to connect header from close with just keeper to beat, off Pawan’s curling cross from the right. Next, his weak shot from inside the box was easily collected by Bardez keeper Swizel and later, his flick shot was brilliantly paired by Bardez keeper Swizel which hit the goalpost and came back into the play.
In between these, Bardez had the best chance to equalise when Shubham Desai’s commanding shot missed the target narrowly.
