RAIA: Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim registered a solitary goal victory over Sao Jose de Areal in a GFA First Division League match at Navelim ground, on Thursday.
Areal took just two minutes to launch the attack as striker Vaguder Dhanjay collected a pass from Roque Borges, dribbled past Allan Fernandes and shot from close range but goalkeeper Vikrant Sharma dived to collect it.
Following a counter-attack in the 6th minute, Cavelossim’s Alvino Fernandes sent a long ranger which was saved by goalkeeper Sunny Fernandes. Later, in the 14th minute, a power-packed shot by Sandeep Choudhury missed the target narrowly.
Cavelossim came close to scoring in the 29th minute. Ronaldo Coelho dribbled past a couple of defenders and shot goalwards but Salvin Fernandes brought off a timely clearance.
Just before the break, Cavelossim got the precious match-winner as they were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Sunny brought down Blayen Rodrigues in the penalty area. Charles Miranda converted it.
Areal took over after the break and Sandeep Chaudhury’s shot missed the target by a whisker in the 48th minute. Two minutes later, Daulat Desai’s effort was cleared to safety by the Areal goalkeeper.
Cavelossim could have doubled the lead, but Ronald Coelho’s weak shot was easily collected by the rival goalkeeper.
In another match at Betalbatim ground, Cuncolim Union and Youth Club of Manora played out a goalless draw.
The match was evenly contested, with both teams creating opportunities to score. However, neither team could find the back of the net, and the match ended in a stalemate.
The match saw some heated moments, with Manora’s Pravin Rathod and Cuncolim’s Caitan Viegas being booked by the referee.
