MAPUSA/RAIA: Cortalim Villagers registered a hard-fought 2-1 win over FC Goa in the Goa Professional League match played at Duler Stadium, here, on Monday.
Cortalim Villagers came strongly into the match after having drawn 4-4 against Sporting Clube de Goa in their last GPL match.
Though Young Gaurs should have taken the lead in the 8th minute, where a deadly cross by Lalthangliana was brilliantly cleared by Cortalim Villagers’ defender Bersal Viegas before Lemmet Tangvah could connect.
In the 39th minute, Cortalim Villagers’ Ronil Azavedo combined with Vikram Venkatchalam who relayed the ball back to Ronil who brilliantly placed the ball into the far corner of the goal 1-0.
Ronil Azavedo almost doubled his lead who after he hoodwinked right back Gogocha Chungkham darted inside the penalty box only to find Sitroy Carvalho clear the ball to safety.
In the added time of the first session’s 48th minute, Young Gaurs Lalthangliana sent a perfect delightful cross to well positioned Likson Rebelo whose header brushed Cortalim Villagers’ custodian Francis Vincent gloves before entering the goal 1-1.
Hardly had the spectators taken their seats in the stadium Young Gaurs should have taken the lead but Cortalim Villagers’ goal keeper Francis brought a breath taking save as he thwarted Likson in one to one situation.
In the 68th minute, Cortalim Villagers’ Velroy Carvalho sent a defence splitting pass to substitute Aniston Fernandes but before the latter could connect the ball Young Gaurs defender cleared the ball for a corner.
Minutes later, a scorching right-footer by substitute Preston Fernandes travelled just past the far side of the goal post. Young Gaurs received a jolt in the 87th minute with the sending off their custodian Bob Raj for second booking.
In the added time, a teasing cross by Cortalim Villagers’ Cyril Dias saw Young Gaurs Mallikjan Kalegar connect the ball into his own goal 2-1.
Cortalim Villagers’ skipper Clive Miranda received the man-of-the-match award from Uday Lingudkar, GFA’s Executive Committee member.
Cortalim Villagers now sit on 37 points from 19 matches, three points clear of Dempo SC, Pax of Nagoa, and Sporting Clube de Goa. Meanwhile, FC Goa remains on 30 points from 19 matches.
In another match, Geno FC pipped Guardian Angel Sports Club 1-0, at Benaulim ground. Sahil Inamdar netted the match winner in the 81st minute, from the penalty spot.
