TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Corps of Signals rallied to knock down Goa Police 5-1 in a 12th round GFA First Division football league match at Duler Stadium, here, Thursday. The teams were locked goalless at the breather.
Flavio Lopes
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Signals played good short passes and dominated the first session but a strong rival defence line left them frustrated. They could have taken the lead in the fifth minute but Lalmanpuia shot wide from close-range off a corner-kick by LH Sanga.
At the other end, Goa Police squandered a golden opportunity to score as Minguel Barreto shot wide after getting past Signals goalkeeper Niyas Mon.
In the 35th minute, Signals’ Nim Tshering used his quick feet and sent in a defence splitting pass to striker Vikas Kale inside the box, but the latter’s powerful left-footer was parried away by Goa Police custodian Rupesh Kamat.
The Policemen had their share of chances after being backfoot for most of the game but Abdul Khan’s and Minguel’s efforts in the 37th and 44th minutes respectively did not trouble goalkeeper Niyas.
After resumption, Vikas was cautioned by referee Chandrashekar Shirodkar for his dangerous tackle on Goa Police’s Paresh Morje.
Then, in the 50th minute, Goa Police forged ahead when Rajesh Salgaonkar converted the spot kick awarded to them by the referee after Abdul was brought down by Signals’ Paul Victor in the danger zone. The referee also booked Victor for the offence.
Signals’ regrouped quickly and restored parity at the hour mark through Lalmanpuia’s powerful inside the box strike that beat goalkeeper Rupesh hands down.
The equalizer came as a confidence booster for Signals who took the lead in the 70th minute. Vikas sent in an intelligent through ball which was picked up by Roshan Singh as he calmly got past goalkeeper Rupesh and slotted home in the open goal.
Subsequently, Signals went 3-1 up in the 76th minute through Sanga’s spot kick after Goa Police’s Rupesh Morje had brought down Roshan in the penalty box.
Signals continued to keep the rival defenders on their toes and with six minutes to go for the normal time Roshan scored his team’s fourth with a superb solo effort.
Signals’ substitute Pankaj Gorkha joined the party and made it 5-1 in what was the last kick of the game.
Signals have collected 21 while Goa Police remain with five points.
At Poriat ground, Calangute, Laxmi Prasad Sports Club grounded Calangute Association 2-0. Milton Gomes and Lavino Fernandes scored for Laxmi Prasad.
Laxmi Prasad remained on top of the table with 30 points while Calangute Association are on 25 points with two rounds remaining.
