Injury-marred HAL surrender to Salgaocar

BANGALORE, JAN 3
Injury marred Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club (HASC) surrendered to Salgaocar Sports Club 0-1 in the seventh round of I-League tie here today.
The solitary goal was a header by Francis Fernandes who superbly headed a pass given by the skipper and Japan midfielder Luciano Sobrosa in the 10th minute. Luciano was awarded man-of-the-match with prize money of Rs 5,000.
Though the hosts had control over the ball through out the game, the Goans took advantage poor bench strength of their opponents and after initial teething problem in adjusting to the ground condition succeeded in adding three more points to their kitty taking the tally to 15 to remain behind East Bengal, leading the table with 18 points.
HAL, who started the league on a rousing note with two wins, has only seven points in its tally having drawn one game and lost the remaining four.
The Goans could have surged ahead further, but for HAL custodian P Pramod who scuttled their efforts by superbly blocking on more than two occasions. The visitors brought in as many as three substitutes including Nigerian striker Ekene Ikenwa in an attempt to increase the goal tally but their efforts went in vain.
Salgaocar foreign coach Karim Bencherifa, at a post match conference, said that ”we achieved our aim of adding three points as it was crucial after having lost two previous matches.”
He said that the condition of the ground was not up to the mark not only for Salgaocar but also for HAL. ”However, at the end of the match we won.  Boys performed well.  Sobrosa is an asset to the team.” 
Hosts brought in three substitutes in an attempt to bring an equaliser but could not achieve their aim due to poor finishing though the ball was in their control right from the beginning.
Striker Murali, who addressed the press after the match, attributed the loss to the absence of striker Xavier Vijay Kumar, James Singh and Vijesh Kumar who were in the injury list.
However, Vijesh who entered the field as substitute to skipper Rajendra Prasad in the second half he could not change the fortune in favour of his team.
Referee Shaji Kurian of Kerala did not hesitate to show yellow card to HAL custodian Pramod for obstructing an attempt by Luciano and to striker Bangkok Namenakpam for obstructing Francis Fernandes.
Salgaocar forward Anthony Barnosa was shown yellow card for delay tactics adopted in the middle of the game.