MAPUSA: Services were made to earn the three points against Daman & Diu in the West Zone Qualifiers for the Santosh Trophy, organised by Goa Football Association and held at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.
Second half substitute Shreyas VG (72’) and a Pawan Gurav (73’) own goal helped the defending champions get three points with a 2-0 win. Services dominated both the halves but Daman & Diu had come well prepared and frustrated the defending champions in the first 45 minutes. Despite having maximum ball possession, Services just couldn’t break the deadlock. The first half remained goalless.
Crossing over, Services coach Parshuram Salwadi introduced Tony Huidrom in the game plan in place of Prem Kumar and played in long balls, but the plan failed as Daman & Diu were strong in defence. Inayath created some chances but they couldn’t convert for Services.
Finally Shreyas broke the deadlock for Services with a well executed corner kick and the lad headed home from the box.
Once up by a goal, Services attacked in numbers and in the next minute they doubled the account when Tony Huidrom’s cross was pushed into their own goal by Pawan to give Services a two-goal lead. Pawan had no other option then to clear the ball as Bikash Thappa was lurking in the box for the ball.
The final score remained 2-0.
“We need to get maximum points before we take on Maharashtra in the crucial last game.
Today our defence was good, but we need to score quality goals and not own goals. We need to create more opportunities and score the chances we get,” explained Services coach Parshuram Salwadi.
