TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Salgaocar rode on a spectacular second half display to demolish lowly placed HAL,
The teams started cautiously but it was Salgaocar who got the first scoring opportunity as early as the 2nd minute but Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka’s smart header missed the target narrowly off a chip from Nicolau Colaco.
Salgoacar finally surged ahead in the 12th minute through man-of-the-match, hardworking midfielder Francis Fernandes . HAL goalkeeper Pramod was to be blame for the same. Following Tomba Signh’s floater, Francis Fernandes nodded home with the rival goalkeeper not even attempting to stop the ball.
HAL tried their best to neutralize the lead but could not breach down the resilient Salgaocar defense. They had an opportunity but Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit Singh came out of his charge and averted danger.
After the change of ends, the Karim Bencherifa boys were all charged up. They got a fine opportunity to double the lead soon after resumption but striker Bevan D’Mello saw his feeble shot going straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.
In the 71st minute, Salgaocar intensified their attacks and Tomba Singh headed home a measured floater from Francis.
Salgaocar were denied by the framework when Tomba’s swerving snap shot beat HAL goalkeeper Pramod, but the try came off post.
Salgaocar scored again in the 71st minute when Gilbert Oliveira smartly gave the finishing touches to a Rocus Lamare pass. Seven minutes later referee Santosh Kumar ejected HAL defender Liliyan Kenneth for second caution
Substitute Collin Dias added salt to HAL injury getting his name on the score sheet in the 81st minute off Gilbert.
The win meant Salgaocar collected 25 points from 15 matches. HAL suffered their 12th defeat and have just 3 points.
“We were disappointed with the performance and the first goal we conceeded was due to poor goalkeeping. Besides we missed key players Hamsa and defender Feni,” stated a crestfallen HAL manager M Murlidharan. “We have four home matches and we will try to win them and hope we will avoid the relegation.”
Salgoacar coach Karim Bencherifa praised his boys who he said had had showed great character in the last six matches.
