TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Goa Velha Sports Club played their hearts out to hold the mighty Dempo in a goalless draw in a round five match of Airtel Goa Pro League football at Duler Stadium, here, Thursday.
Dempo dominated the game but were left frustrated by the strong rival defence and custodian Dietmar Fernandes, who displayed an outstanding performance in his first appearance of the campaign to salvage a vital point for Goa Velha.
Dempo are in the fifth place with eight points while Goa Velha are in the seventh spot with five points.
The closest Dempo came to scoring was in the ninth minute when Romeo Fernandes’ rasping effort kissed the horizontal. Their midfield worked tirelessly to set up their lone striker Joy Ferrao but found it hard to get past the strong rival defence.
In the 15th minute, Dempo’s Brazilian medio Roberto Mendes Da Silva (Beto) had a try but his fierce shot deflected off Goa Velha’s Wellington Fernandes and was eventually blocked by diving Goa Velha custodian Dietmar Fernandes.
The Golden Eagles made good use of the flanks as Beto sent a clever through ball to winger Nickson Castanha inside the danger zone but Goa Velha defender Agnelo Barreto came up with a timely clearance at the half hour mark.
At the other end, Goa Velha were a subdued lot and opted a defensive approach.
Changing over, the match settled in a familiar pattern as Dempo continued to dictate terms. They could have scored in the 46th minute but goalkeeper Dietmar blocked Nickson Castanha’s short in a one-to-one situation.
Goa Velha looked more aggressive as debutant Royston Pereira missed the mark narrowly in the 75th minute.
Four minutes later, Goa Velha had a glorious chance to score but Alber Gonsalves’ placement went inches wide.
A minute later, Dempo substitute Myron Fernandes looked a threat going forward but his rasping shot was parried away by the rival custodian.
In the dying minutes, Romeo almost broke the deadlock but his header was cleared at the goal-line by Goa Velha substitute Naveen Mendes.
Dempo tried hard but their attacks were foiled by their rivals, much to the delight of the Goa Velha supporters.
