TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Riding on a stunning strike from Vinod Murgaonkar, Kevnem SC powered into the Second Division after defeating FC Neura by a solitary goal in GFA 3rd Division Ilhas Zone play-off, at Santa Cruz ground, Thursday.
Kevnem SC is the second team from Taleigao to qualify for the Second Division along with Paradise SC.
The match started on a fast pace with both the teams showing eagerness to have a look at the goal in the opening but failed to convert the chances that came their way.
However, as it appeared that the first half would end goalless, Kevnem’s Vinod Murgaonkar provided a thunder from the blue by sending a 35-yard power-packed volley into the right corner of the nets in the 45th minute to stun the rival goalkeeper with no chance even to react, which proved to be the winner.
Crossing over, FC Neura upped the tempo in search of an equaliser and nearly got one but Denzil Antao’s shot hit the underside of the horizontal bar and rebounded into play.
At the other end, Kevnem missed a chance to double the lead when Vinod’s header struck the cross bar and the rebound fell to Vishal Gaude, who however headed the ball straight towards a defender with an open goal in front of him.
Then, Neura’s Jovino Misquita had a golden opportunity to score the equaliser. However, he took his own sweet time which allowed the rival defender to thwart the danger.
Later, Neura missed another opportunity when a misunderstanding between Kevnem custodian and the defenders caused a scramble inside the Kevnem danger zone and with the goalie out of position, Jovino’s goalbound shot was saved on the goalline by a Kevnem defender.
Referee Rohidas Bhomkar cautioned Yogesh Murgaonkar, Vishal Gaude and Sham Shirvoikar, all of Kevnem SC for rough play.
Kevnem SC now will meet Paradise SC to decide the winner of Ilhas Zone play-off on Saturday.
