NAGOA: Sporting Clube de Goa twice came from behind to inflict first defeat upon Churchill Brothers FC with 3-2 win in the GFA Goa Professional League, at Nagoa Ground, Verna, on Thursday.
Marcus Mascarenhas netted a fine hat-trick while Willis Plaza netted a double for the losing team.
Churchill Bros Willis had a golden opportunity to score when Melroy’s clearance fell into his way, but the foreign player delayed and Sporting Clube’s Peter cleared the ball. Finally, Willis scored when he headed in a free-kick.
Sporting Clube came close to scoring from a corner kick when George’s delivery in the box was placed for Gautam but his goal-bound shot took rival defender’s deflection and went out for a corner.
Sporting Clube had a great chance to restore parity when Philip found his way in the box and shot at goal but his effort was brilliantly saved by the rival keeper but the ball fell back to him which he headed in for Llyod Mascarenhas, who failed to connect. Yet another chance was missed by Sporting Clube.
Later, Sporting Clube’s Philip shot from inside the box narrowly missed the mark. Churchill Brothers pressed in the second half and Shubert’s effort was pushed for a corner by Melroy.
In the second half, after more of midfield duel, Sporting Clube keeper came with a good save to deny L Vangchhia.
Sporting Clube coach brought in Akeraj Martins in place of Shanon and they soon scored the leveller when George’s grounder was placed inside the goal by Marcus.
Later Sporting Clube’s Girish cross was headed by Peter to Marcus whose half
volley went straight to the keeper. However, at the other end, George brought down Clencio in the box and Willis coolly converted from the spot kick.
At the other end, Sporting Clube de Goa’s Marcus headed in to score his second, off a George’s corner kick. Sporting Clube soon scored the third which proved to be the match-winner as Peter Carvalho and Philip played one-two before the former played a dangerous ball in the box which Marcus brilliantly headed in to make it 3-2.
Sporting Clube de Goa Manager Angelo Albuquerque was very happy with the performance of all the players and had a special praise for the U-20 players.
He said, “I am very happy with the result and happier with the performance of my U-20 players who played their hearts out. Lloyd Mascarenhas made his debut for the senior team today while Shanon Viegas played his second match of the GPL this season.”
