Domnic scores brace as Calangute Association win
TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Player-cum-coach Levino Pereira converted a 79th minute penalty which proved to be the match-winner as Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao pipped Corps of Signals 1-0 in GFA’s First Division Football League match at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, Friday.
Signals dominated the proceedings but hardly created any promising moves while Taleigao were lucky winners after being awarded a penalty in the 79th minute.
The teams started off on a cautious note and took time to get into rhythm. Signals used their physical advantage well but lacked creativity in the midfield and found it hard to create any openings.
At the other end, Taleigao kept their cool and were the first to threaten in the 20th minute when medio Marc Fernandes sent in an intelligent through ball to striker Pramod Mardolkar but the skipper shot straight into rival custodian Prosun Sarkar in a one-to-one situation.
Subsequently, Taleigao’s right wing-back Dario Rodrigues sent in a dangerous low cross to Marc but the latter’s close ranger was blocked by a rival defender in the 35th minute.
Soon, Signals’ Roshan Singh missed the mark narrowly and then U-20 Nim Tshering’s header was thwarted by Taleigao goalkeeper Xavier Estrocio before the break.
In the second session, Taleigao coach Levino Pereira brought in striker Clyde Dias in place of injured Baggio Fernandes. Clyde quickly got involved and set up Francis outside the box but his long ranger was blocked by the rival custodian.
Taleigao were desperate but their midfield lacked experience, that’s when coach Levino came in for Marc in the 70th minute to provide stability to his side.
Nine minutes later, it was Levino, who broke the deadlock. Taleigao’s Minesh Kunkolkar’s effort on goal was handled by rival player Babu Sorem, prompting referee Sainath Haldankar to award a penalty. Levino, stepped up for the spot-kick and calmly converted, sending the rival keeper the wrong way.
At Poriat ground, Calangute, Calangute Association trounced Goa Police Sports Club 3-0. Sanket Jotkar gave Calangute the lead in the very second minute while Domnic Fernandes went on to score a brace in the first session.
