TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Adison Oliveira and substitute Allan Carvalho inspired Raia Sporting Club to a 2-1 win against Sao Jose de Areal SC in Salcete Zone GFA Second Division league at panchayat ground, Raia, Monday. There was no score at half time.
Areal sounded a warning as Merwyn Costa unleashed a stiff shot which missed the target narrowly.
Raia created openings with Silvano Reveredo threatening the rival citadel but once, his snap shot missed the target by inches.
Midway in the opening session, Areal nearly broke the deadlock but Franky Valadares’ rasping shot was blocked by Raia goalkeeper Richie Rodrigues.
Crossing over, Raia intensified their attacks and troubled the rival rearguard with well orchestrated raids.
Raia’s Adison Rebello received a through pass from playmaker Wilfred Gomes and the former unleashed a snap shot which beat Areal goalkeeper Pratesh Naik hands down in the 65th minute.
Raia doubled the lead in the 87th minute when substitute Allan Carvalho punted the ball to the far corner of the net after Silvano Reveredo’s shot eluded the rival goalkeeper.
Areal pulled one back as Franky Valadares’ snap shot from the top of the box dipped into the net off Francis Baretto in the 88th minute.
With this win, Raia Sporting collected six points from three matches while Areal suffered their first defeat and have one point from two matches.
Meanwhile, the match was delayed by about 15 minutes due non-availability of flags. However, a good Samaritan came to GFA’s rescue as he brought two flags and the match could start only then. However, the teams lamented that there were no ball boys. Worse still, no stretcher was available. This speaks volumes as how the GFA goes about in organizing the matches, with the administration excelling in such poor shows and still they call it a professional body.
