CURTORIM: Curtorim Gymkhana came from behind to hold Holy Cross Sports Club, Arambol to a 2-2 draw in the GFA First Division League match played at Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs ground, Curtorim, on Thursday.
Holy Cross Coach Pradep Chopdekar fielded Dalesh Pednekar in the forefront with Runal Shirodkar in the midfield, while Curtorim Gymkhana coach Alex Dias started with Rogue Borges in the forefront and Nelson Fernandes in the midfield.
But it was Holy Cross who gave their heart out in the first half, and took a two goal lead.
Holy Cross striker Dalesh Pednekar picked up the ball from Runal Shirodkar and ran down the right flank and curled a short from the top of Curtorim box, but Curtorim U-20 keeper Joseph Monteiro denied the striker with a brilliant save.
Curtorim striker Roque Borges took control of the ball from the defender,Wayne Rodrigues and shot from close range but the rival keeper was equal to the task in the tenth minute.
Runal Shirodkar almost scored but his left footer was blocked by Nevillie Fernandes of Curtorim on the goal line in the 15th minute.
Roque Borges powerful header hit the Holy Cross crossbar and went bout of play in the 16th minute.
Holy Cross Shashank Ashwekar set up Jason Fernandes but the latters weak header was easily saved by Curtorim keeper in the 26th minute.
It was in the 43rd minute Jason Fernandes of Holy Cross dribbled past rival defender Wayne Fernandes but just before the striker could pull the trigger, Curtorim’s Savio Fernandes fouled Jaison in the box with a late challenge.
The match referee Sharad Naik made no hesitation pointing towards the spot wherein Shashank Ashewekar stepped over and coolly converted the kick.
Just before the breather, Dalesh Pednekar long range strike gave Holy Cross a two goal cushion.
Crossing ends, Curtorim Gymkhana came back strongly and scored two quick goals which came from the boots of Roque Borges in the 60th minute with a simple tap in off Nevillie Fernandes assist.
Substitute Josly Costa made it 2-2 for Curtorim in the 70th minute.
Runal Shirodkar and Dalesh Pednekar of Holy Cross shot hit the rival goalpost in the 78th and 88th minute respectively.
Roque Borges too had a chance to score for Curtorim as his shot too was denied by rival cross piece in the dying minute of the game.
At Ambelim ground the match played between Sesa Football Academy and Salgaocar FC (Jrs) ended in a goalless draw.
Sesa were twice denied by the post. Salgaocar juniors played a good passing game but could not find the right finish.
