MAPUSA, AUG 24
A brace from Cedric Rodrigues powered Holy Cross, Arambol to a 4-0 victory over Tropa Sports and Cultural Association in GFA’s 3rd Division at St Anthony’s church ground, Siolim on Tuesday. The score was 2-0 at the breather.
Both teams were looking to pick up their first point in order to keep pace with the other four clubs in the group.
It was Arambol who were clearly more motivated as they sprung into attack mode from the kick-off using their pace in the midfield to pin down their opponents.
Tropa showed individual skills, but as a team they lacked the ability to finish off their opponents in front of the goal.
After just eight minutes Arambol’s Robin D’Souza caught the Tropa custodian off his line and chipped in from 30 yards.
Five minutes later, Cedric Rodrigues made his way into the opposition box and deceived Tropa custodian John D’Lima to slot into the near post.
After the lemon break, Tropa continued to press for a goal, but were kept out by a stubborn Arambol defence.
Thirteen minutes into the second half, Arambol’s Cedric made his way towards the goal, but his initial shot was saved. However, he managed to pick up the rebound to score his second of the match.
In the 69th, Mark D’Souza punted in for Arambol to make it four and secure the vital three points for Arambol.
Near the end of the match, Filton Fernandes had to just place the ball in to score, but the Arambol defender saved off the line, which just about summed up Tropa’s afternoon.
At the end of round three, Siolim Sodiem lead the group with 7 points ahead of Xetrapal who also have 7 points but have an inferior goal difference. FC Siolim are third with 6 points. Holy Cross, Arambol have now leapfrogged Cunchelim SC, both having collected 3 points each. Tropa are sixth having lost all three matches.
