MARGAO: Salgaocar Football Club Juniors came all guns blazing as the demolished a spirited Cuncolim Union 3-0 in the Goa Football Association’s Second Division South zone play-off match at the artificial turf ground, outside Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here, on Tuesday. Salgaocar FC were leading by 3-0 in the first half.
Salgaocar FC started on a positive note with Myron Borges and Stephen Fernandes causing all sorts of problems to the rival defence with their pace.
Salgaocar FC enjoyed the lion’s share of ball possession as their opponents could not establish control.
As the match progressed, Salgaocar FC grew in confidence and created several chances
Through Godfrey Mascarenhas, Harmonjot Singh and Stephen Fernandes.
Cuncolim Union did create an opening in the 21st minute but Sampana Rebello shot wide from an ideal position after being fed by Frazier Fernandes.
In the very next minute, Salgaocar FC opened their account as Stephen unleashed a powerful grounder past the rival custodian after being assisted by Samuel Costa.
Cuncolim Union tried hard to regroup and came close to scoring at the half hour mark but once again Sampana’s effort did not materialize as his fierce shot was fisted away by Salgaocar FC custodian, Rohan Viegas.
The Greens continued to attack and soon doubled their advantage through talented Myron Borges, who gave finishing touches to a combined move worked out by Raja Rawat and Stephen Fernandes.
Just before the break, it was all over for Cuncolim Union as Salgaocar FC made it 3-0 through Harmonjot in the 44th minute.
Change of ends saw Cuncolim Union struggle to keep pace but their defenders put up a creditable performance and did not concede in the second session.
Shubert Colaco and Maison Fernandes left the Salgaocar FC strikers frustrated time and again.
Salgaocar FC could have inflated their tally in the 64th minute but Harmanjot lacked sharpness from an ideal position.
Cuncolim Union did not give up their fight as the Salgaocar FC custodian was tested by Frazier Fernandes’ free-kick which was eventually cleared to safety by Saurab Patel in the 70th minute.
