MAPUSA: Salgaocar Football Club started off the title defence with a bang as they thrashed Curtorim Gymkhana 3-0 in the Goa Pro League match, at Duler Stadium, here, on Wednesday. They led 1-0 at half time.
Salgaocar FC dominated the first session with the inclusion of Scottish duo Darryl Duffy and Martin Scot. It took Duffy just four minutes to give The Greens the lead, heading off a cross by Thangjam Singh.
As the match progressed, their dominance strengthened. Brian Mascarenhas sent in a perfect free-kick to Duffy, who headed towards onrushing Pawan Kumar but the latter ballooned over in front of the empty goal.
In the 40th minute, Scot was left frustrated to see his header kiss the crossbar while Jason Barbosa had two good chances after being set up by Duffy on both the occasions but the under-20 winger lacked sharpness.
Post resumption, Curtorim Gymkhana continued to defend bravely as they tried to soak the rival pressure and equalise.
However, in the 58th minute, Curtorim Gymkhana conceded a needless penalty as Josly Costa pulled the jersey of Thangjam inside the danger zone. Duffy stepped up for the resultant spot kick and converted with ease for his brace.
In the 75th minute, Curtorim Gymkhana custodian Muhamad Shaikh came up with a spectacular double save by fisting away Aslon Oliveira’s half volley and then, thwarting Duffy’s close ranger off the rebound.
However, in the next minute, Muhamad couldn’t do much as Gilbert Oliveira made it 3-0 with a fine finish off an assist by Scot.
