MAPUSA: Michael Dias scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute as ten-men Benny XI Sports Club overcame FC Tuem 2-1 in GFA’s Third Division Football league match (Bardez zone), at Duler Stadium, here, on Saturday. FC Tuem led at half time.
The teams started at an equal pace but it was FC Tuem who surged ahead in the 13th minute as medio Stepelton Fernandes’ long ranger deflected off a rival player and evaded Benny XI custodian Laslie Vaz.
However, Benny XI came up with a strong fight and went on to dominate the proceedings with several attempts on the rival goal.
Michael Dias’ half volley and a promising header was blocked by the rival defenders on both the ocassions while a powerful free-kick by the midfielder did not trouble FC Tuem keeper Rohidas Halankar.
Moreover, Shakil Gadekar and Chandan Gawas’ header missed the target as Benny XI had to wait for the equalizer.
Four minutes after the restart, Benny XI were reduced to ten-men as Chandan received a direct red card from referee Ritesh Parsekar for a reckless tackle on Akshay Kanurlekar, who was taken off the field on a stretcher and had to be substitued by Emmanuel D’Costa.
The equalizer finally arrived for Benny XI in the 65th minute as centre-back Sebastian D’Costa headed in off a flag-kick.
With four minutes to go for the final whistle, Benny XI medio Oswin Gouveia sent in a defence splitting through ball to Michael, who finished neatly for the match-winner.
At Dr Gustavo Monteiro ground, Candolim, St Savio Sports Club, Calangute thumped Holiday Club, Arpora 4-2. Deep Govekar put St Savio SC ahead in the 27th minute while Andrew Fernandes doubled the advantage before the break. After a slow start to the second session, Aniket Savadekar pulled a goal back for Holiday Club but Gaurish Desai secured a brace in the 84th and 88th minutes while Holiday Club’s Francis Fernandes made it 4-2 in the final minute.
Dunes Sports Club hammered Vailankanni SC, Arambol 8-0, at Chapora ground.
Sahil Bagde was unstoppable at Nachinola ground with a four goal blitz as Assonora United FC grounded St Sebastian Sports Club 4-1. Mohidin Khan scored the lone goal for St Sebastian.
