MAPUSA: Curtorim Gymkhana Sports Club overcame a strong challenge from A A De Moira to register a 1-0 win in the Geno-GFA First Division League match, played at Duler Stadium, here on Thursday.
The all-important goal was scored in the 90th minute through Cliff Barreto which moved Curtorim Gymkhana to 19 points from nine matches while Moira remain on 10 points from equal outings.
Curtorim created the first chance in the 5th minute when Cliff Barreto released Aliston Fernandes with an intelligent pass but rival defender Prajyot Kerkar was first to react and push the ball thwarting the danger.
Moira defender Prajyot was once again called on to bring a timely goal-line clearance to deny Aliston header from entering the net from a corner kick delivered by Desmond Pereira in the 20th minute.
On resumption, Moira nearly broke the deadlock in the 56th minute but Faheed Mahammad, who had ample time to place the ball, surprisingly headed it wide off a cross from Lloyd Mascarenhas.
In a swift counter attack, Joshley Gomes, controlling a pass from Aliston, busted into the penalty box but was denied by Moira keeper from close range who left his charge in nick of time.
Minutes later, Curtorim`s Vicky Cardozo was unlucky to see his power-packed shot hit the post and go out.
In the closing minutes both the teams were reduced to ten men with the sending off Curtorim’s Desmond Pereira (89th min) and Moira’s Prajyot Kerkar (91st min) by referee Ritesh Parsekar for double caution.
Just as it looked as both teams would be splitting points, Curtorim struck the winning goal through Cliff Barreto whose scorching 30-yard shot nestled into the net. Moira’s Dattaraj Gaonkar received the man-of the match award.
Meanwhile at Raia ground, Cuncolim Union registered their first win of the competition with a comfortable 2-0 win over Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao.
The winners scored a goal each in either halves. Terence Lobo and Dylan Rodrigues were the goal scorers for the winning side. Terence was named Man-of-the-Match for his all-round performance. The win takes Cuncolim Union on five points while CSM Taleigao remain on nine points.
