Raia rally to hold Margao 1-1

gfa 3rd div

MARGAO, JAN 6
Raia Sporting Club came from behind to hold Margao Sports Club to a 1-1 draw in GFA’s Third Division League at Raia panchayat ground, on Thursday. They were trailing 0-1 at half time.
The match started on a high for Margao who found the rhythm early. Their short passing and distribution was impressive and as such they enjoyed a lion share of the exchanges.
Margao went into the lead in the  23rd minute through a free kick. Following an infringement committed by a Raia player, Cliff Baretto’s free kick eluded the rival defence wall and goalkeeper Rizven Fernandes.
Stung by the setback, Raia tried their best to neutralise the lead but could not break the resilient Margao defence.
Margao had scoring opportunities but Cliff Barretto and Gama Costa squandered easy scoring chances.
At the other end, Raia had few scoring chances but Alvito Miranda and Eusebio shot wide.
Raia put up a better display in the second half and called the shots right through and came close in levelling the score but Alvito’s header was blocked by the Margao goalkeeper.
Margao nearly doubled the lead but captain Perryson Rebello faltered.
Raia equalised in the 57th minute through Ozie Fernandes. Following an Alvito’s well measured through pass, Ozie Fernandes outpaced a rival defender and unleashed a snap shot which beat the rival goalkeeper.
Margao nearly found success late but Cliff Baretto’s feeble push went into the safe hands of the Raia goalkeeper.
Margao coach Joaquim Crasto was not happy with the playing surface, which he said was very hard and devoid of grass.