FATORDA: Goa Veha Sports Club came from behind to register their first win of the campaign as they defeated Holy Cross Sports Club Arambol 2-1 in the Geno First Division League organised by Goa Football Association (GFA) at Artificial turf, Fatorda, on Tuesday.
The defeat leaves the Arambol side relegated to the Second Division. Coming into this game, it was a crucial tie for both the teams as one – Holy Cross SC, Arambol — needed a draw to survive relegation while the other – Goa Velha SC — were in must win situation.
The game got off to an even start with both teams trying to move forward. The Arambol side opened the scoring early on in the 15th minute only through Hemant Rodrigues. The later game in the first half failed to see any potent attempts as the Arambol side went into break with an edge over the Goa Velha side.
In the second half, Arun Naik sent the ball to Nikesh Mangeshkar but the defender got to the ball before the rival striker could tap the ball in.
Holy Cross SC, determined to finish off the game went all out too and Amit Fernandes made a goal bound attempt which went past the keeper but hit the post to the dismay of the Arambol side.
In yet another attempt, Goa Velha’s joseph Rodrigues sent in a perfect ball to Sairaj Chodankar but the defender shot over the bar.
In the 68th minute Goa Velha SC finally managed to get the equalizer as Adolf Caiado sent in a perfect corner to Sanjeev Kunkolkar who headed the ball home, 1-1.
Post the equalizer, the Goa Velha SC went all out to grab the winner in an attempt to save themselves from the relegation and won a free kick late in the match, Adolf sent in a powerful free kick which was saved by the rival keeper however the ball rebounded and was finished into the nets by Arjun Colaco as Goa Velha won 2-1.
In another game held at Sirsaim ground, Sesa FA beat title contenders St. Savio SC Calangute by a similar margin, 2-1. This loss gave the Calangute side a major blow as it has given an advantage for the Salgaocar side in view of the top spot. The Sesa side scored the first goal through Ryan Fernandes in the 22nd minuite while Vishnu Gosavi made it 2-0 in the second half. Shashank Naik managed to pull one goal down for the St. Savio side as the Sesa side walked away with all three points.
