MAPUSA: Amit Singh Tariyal goal enabled Corps of Signals to score a narrow 1-0 win over Panjim Footballers in the seventh-round match of the GFA’s Professional league played at Duler Stadium, on Friday.
It was s much needed win for Corps of Signal who have seven points while Panjim Footballers stay on six points.
Signals, fresh from their win over Vasco in their last match, were confident and began earnestly and had the major control of the proceedings. Panjim seemed jaded after snatching win in a dramatic style against Velsao in their last match.
In the 21st minute Chandan Gawas diving header from a perfect cross delivered by Kunal Kundaikar missed the target by inches.
Minutes later Signals keeper Binu Purushothaman sensing danger left his charge in the nick of time to collect the ball before Joyson Gauncar`s long pass could reach to Llyod Cardozo inside the danger box.
The opening goal came in the 33rd minute for Signals when L.Solomon Khongsai corner kick found Amit Singh Tariyal whose fierce header gave no chance to Panjim keeper Preston Rego, 1-0
Signals almost doubled their lead minutes later but keeper Preston Rego brought a superlative save to stop L. Solomon`s well struck 30-yard free kick from finding the back of the net.
Panjim had a chance to restore parity before half time whistle but U-20 Lakesh Gawas header from a cross delivered by Alston Camotio was stylish collected by the diving keeper Binu.
Crossing end, Panjim showed more urgency and in the first minute U-20 Lakesh Gawas vicious shot from a pass by Chandan Gawas was tipped for a corner by keeper Binu who was outstanding in the goal for Signals.
Signals who were pegged back in their own half had a chance to consolidated their lead when U-20 Melroy laid the ball in the path of Lairellakpam, whose first time shot was blocked by defender U-20 Janio Fernandes for a corner.
Cyril Dias squandered one of the easiest chances to get Panjim back on level terms in the 78th minute when he failed to keep his tap goal wards from a dangerous cross whipped in from the left flank by Alston Camotio to the disappointment of his teammates.
Closing minutes, Signals defended resolutely and held on to the one goal lead till the final whistle to walk away with full points.
