PANJIM: Herald Publications made light work of Prudent Media 4-0 to win the inter-media nine-a-side football tournament, organised by organised by the Sports Journalists Association of Goa (SJAG) in collaboration with Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) and Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Wednesday.
A fine hat-trick by Allan D’Cruz and a goal by Anil Desai helped Herald secure the winner’s trophy.
Herald Publications began the play on an impressive note as they dictated pace from the middle.
They moved the ball from end to end and displayed great composure keeping possession of the ball for long spells.
After playing a barren first ten minutes, Herald took the lead when Sailesh Zantye played Allan D’Cruz through on goal and last man shot gave no chance for the Prudent Media keeper to give his side the first half lead.
From the Prudent Media side, the forward line made attempts to penetrate the rival defense but the Herald midfielders – Yatin Bakhale, Sailesh Madkaikar and Allan D’Cruz foiled their plan and completely dominated the first half proceeding.
In the second half, Herald scored a stunning goal when Amit Dessai scored from the centre which dented the Prudent Media hopes of a comeback.
Prudent Media tried their luck but strong goalkeeping from Jose Fernandes and a compact defending by Karsten Miranda, Lance Godinho, Sameer and Edwin made it difficult for the opponents.
At the other end, Herald scored a team goal which saw them build up the play from the back when Sailesh Madkaikar released the ball to Sailesh Zantye and then the latter played one-two with Allan D’Cruz and penetrated in the Prudent final third. Sailesh had the chance to pull the trigger but he unselfishly played the ball to Allan D’Cruz who slammed the ball to score his second.
Herald should have scored more but Minguel, Abhijeet and Yatin saw their efforts narrowly miss the mark.
Herald took the advantage of the free-kick which was awarded just outside the box, which was slammed at the roof of the net by Allan D’Cruz to complete his hat-trick.
In an exhibition match played after the final, GFDC defeated Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ), 2-1.
The Chief Guest, Minister of Waste Management, Science and Technology, Port and Rural Development of Goa Michael Lobo and GFDC Member Secretary, Aleixo da Costa played in the exhibition match for GFDC.
The goal-scorers for GFDC were Shashank Ashwekar and Franklyn Roncon. While Kishor Kamat pulled one back for GUJ.
SJAG President, Mahesh Gaonkar; SJAG Vice- President, Kenzil Rodrigues; SJAG Secretary, Sachin Korde and SJAG Organising Secretary, Glenn Costa were also present at the function.
