TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Vagator Parish Youth Sports Club edged past Saligao Sporting Club 3-2 to book their berth in the play-offs of GFA’s Second Division football league (Bardez zone) at Duler Stadium, here, Thursday. Vagator led 2-0 at the breather.
Nyron Dias gave Vagator the lead in the second minute while Denzil Sequeira doubled the lead in the 18th minute. Saligao reduced the margin in the 53rd minute through Niazi Sheikh’s penalty but almost immediately, Sadrick Rodrigues made it 3-1 in Vagator’s favour. Saligao went all-out in the final quarter and reduced the margin through Abhijit Chopdekar’s strike.
Vagator have collected 13 points from seven matches which includes four wins and a draw while Saligao Sporting finish their campaign on eight points.
Saligao Sporting were low on morale after a 6-0 thrashing by Sesa FA (juniors) in their previous match and Vagator took full advantage of this fact, taking the lead in the second minute. A long ball from left-winger Denzil Sequeira left rival defender Videsh Saterdekar off-balance and Nyron quickly capitalized with a deft placement past Saligao goalkeeper Floyd Joao. Vagator were spurred by the success and continued attackingly as their opponents struggled to make an impression.
As the match progressed, Sadrick came close to scoring but his promising grounder went inches wide. However, their second goal came minutes later in the 18th minute after Denzil finished neatly after Nyron did the spadework.
Saligao were a subdued lot and their first serious threat at the rival goal came only before the half hour mark when striker Abhijit fired from long range but he was left frustrated by Vagator custodian Rohan Viegas, who effected a diving save.
Changing over, Saligao started impressively with Abhijit’s long ranger kissing the horizontal bar. They were awarded a lifeline in the 53rd minute by referee Sainath after Vagator defender Drynan Pereira handled the ball inside the danger zone. Sheikh stepped and converted from the spot-kick with a rasping right-footer, 2-1.
At this point, Saligao had clear chances of a comeback but their opponents killed their hopes, two minutes later, as Sadrick nodded in from close range, 3-1. Thereafter, Saligao went all out and Abhijit’s hard work paid-off in the 72nd minute when he shot in from close range off a loose ball. Saligao did all they could to restore parity but keeper Rohan stood rock-solid with numerous saves.
At Sangolda ground, Penha de Franca Sports Club grounded Siolim-Sodiem Sports and Cultural Club 2-0 to enter the play-offs. After a barren first session, Penha de Franca broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, thanks to an own-goal by Siolim-Sodiem defender Julius D’Costa. Subsequently, they doubled their advantage as Akshay Shirodkar unleashed a long ranger form out of the box after being assisted by Govind Mahale.
After the seventh round, Penha de Franca are on 14 points from four victories and two draws while their opponents are safe with seven points as already relegated Clube Athletico de Parra and Sangolda Lightning Club are on six and two points each. Sangolda Lightning will play their final match against Sesa FA (juniors).
