MAPUSA: Guardian Angel SC registered a fluent 3-1 win over Panjim Footballers in a GFA Relegation League match at Duler stadium here, on Wednesday.
With the teams already having avoided relegation, Guardian Angel (13 points) and Panjim Footballers (12), the match turned out to be a pedestrian affair. Guardian Angel maintained their unbeaten record in the Relegation League and went into the breather with a clear three-goal cushion.
In the very 2nd minute, Angel’s Joel Barretto collected a pass from Peter Carvalho and drove a stiff 20-yard grounder which sneaked into the far corner of the goal.
Guardian Angel doubled their lead in the 14th minute. A fierce shot by Yunal Fernandes was blocked by Panjim’s custodian Preston Rego and Joel Barretto tapped the ball home.
As the match progressed, Joel missed an open header but Guardian Angel scored
their third goal as Under-20 Valerian Hilario crossed the ball to Yunal Fernandes who set up Bamba Musah Moctar inside the 18-yard box, and the last named finished it clinically.
On resumption, Guardian Angel looked content with their three-goal lead while at the other end, Panjim Footballers time and again attacked the rival citadel but Angel’s goalkeeper Oswin Rodrigues proved to be a hard nut to be cracked. He blocked Doyal Alves’ and Selwyn Rodrigues’ strikes and subsequently blocked Dhiraj Chouhan’s free kick.
In the 72nd minute, Angel’s Mohammed Mahama was sent off for bringing down Panjim’s Doyal Alves just outside the penalty box, as Doyal was on his way to score.
Custodian Oswin came to the Sanvordem team’s rescue as he blocked Doyal header and later pushed Clifton Rebello’s placement for a corner.
In the added time, Panjim Footballers managed to score a consolation goal with Doyal scoring from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Angel’s Peter Carvalho.
Guardian Angel’s custodian Oswin Rodrigues received the man-of-the match award from Uday Lingudkar.
