MAPUSA: Pax of Nagoa Sports Club played their hearts out to register a solitary goal win over Cortalim Villagers SC in the GFA’s Goa Professional League held at Duler Stadium, here, on Thursday.
The all-important goal came from the boots of Royal Oliveira. After today’s win, Pax of Nagoa has six points while Cortalim Villagers are yet to open their account.
Pax of Nagoa after their easy win over Vasco SC, saw coach Mateus Costa field the same starting XI while Cortalim Villagers after their solitary goal defeat to Calangute Association and earlier to Dempo SC saw coach Jude Barreto try to get some positive result from today’s Salcete derby.
When the match was just six minutes old, Pax stunned their opponents when Velito Cruz cross from the right flank was finished clinically by U21 Royal Oliveira, 1-0. In the 22nd and 26th minute Pax came close to further increasing their lead but a stiff grounder from outside the penalty box by Delton Colaco to the far corner corner saw Cortalim’s goalkeeper Mackvino bring a diving save.
Minutes later an acute angle cross by Pax’s Schubert Pereira crossed just past the far post.
On crossing over, in the 53rd minute, a firm header by Pax’s Jesloy Moniz off Royal Oliveira corner was confidently collected by Cortalim custodian Mackvino Colaco.
Cortalim came close in levelling terms in the 61st minute when Pax’s skipper Joseph Clemente tackled Cortalim’s Ronil Azavedo just outside the penalty box prompting referee Deepraj Sangelkar to award a direct free kick. Aniston Fernandes stinging free-kick was blocked for a corner by Pax’s goalkeeper Ozen Silva.
In the last quarter of the match, Cortalim time and again attacked the Pax citadel but the last line of defense with their goalkeeper held to their one goal lead till the final hooter.
