Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Dunes Sports Club fought hard to hold Salgaocar Juniors to a goalless draw in the GFA’s Geno First Division League, played at Poriat ground, on Sunday.
After today’s match, Dunes have two points from two matches while Salgaocar have one point from one match.
In a midfield dominated match, it was Salgaocar who created better openings but some resolute defending by Dunes denied them the full three points.
Valentino Nazareth`s rasping shot from close range was stopped by Dunes keeper Shridhar Pujar and before anyone could pounce on the loose ball it was cleared by defender Ryan Pereira in the 25th minute.
Three minutes later, Viven D’Souza’s long floater in the danger box was well read by Dunes keeper Shridhar before Dylan Lourenco could fire the ball into the net.
Dunes keeper once again showed great alertness to deny Salgaocar in taking the lead off a fine combined move between Prajat Mondal and Flazer Gomes.
Crossing ends, Salgaocar faced the same fate as they could not get the ball past the brilliant Dunes keeper who this time dived full stretch to keep out Fhezer Gomes’ pile driver from entering the net. Viven provided the pass.
Dunes too had their opportunities but their strikers Sylvester Dias and Eljoy Fernandes just could not find a way past the well marshalled Salgaocar defence.
The Green Brigade should have scored the winning goal in the 85th minute but Sheldon Pereira could not get the all-important touch from a dangerous cross delivered across the face of the goal by Fhezer.
In the added time, Dunes substitute keeper Alison brought up a smart save to stop Aaron Rodrigues cracking shot from crashing into the net.
Salgaocar’s skipper Robert Noronha received the man of the match award at the hands of Sunil Ajgaonkar GM of Geno Pharmaceticals.
