TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim were rewarded for their hard work with an impressive 3-1 victory over Dempo Sports Club in round one of GFA’s U-20 Taca Goa First Division football league match at Sangolda ground, Monday. The teams were locked 1-1 at half time.
Jyotesh Talkar put the winners ahead in the fifth minute but Dempo, who largely dominated the proceedings, equalized before the break through Clencio Pinto.
However, even with the lion’s share of ball possession Dempo lacked sharpness upfront and their rivals made the most of the given opportunity as Denzil Sequeira made it 2-1 before the hour mark with a splendid finish and then, striker Manuel Fernandes sealed three points for coach, Severino Fernandes in the 75th minute.
The teams started on an attacking note but it was the away team that took advantage off a set-piece as Ronald Dias’ free-kick was headed by Jyotesh and thanks to a deflection from Dempo defender Meldon D’Silva, the ball rolled past keeper Shilton Fernandes. That was the only notable move by Cavelossim in the first session as Dempo took control thereafter. They got the much needed equalizer four minutes before the break as Clencio won the ball in the midfield and went solo till the edge of the box and then unleashed a scorching right-footer that gave rival keeper Rupesh Bandodkar no chance.
Post resumption, the match settled into a familiar as Dempo dictated terms but the goal came at the other end with a delightful half volley by Denzil as keeper Shilton dived helplessly to veil, 2-1. In the final quarter, a defensive lapse by Dempo’s Yogesh Gauns gave way for Cavelossim substitute Manuel and the striker beautifully chipped over the onrushing keeper to seal three points.
Meanwhile, the match between Sporting Clube de Goa and Sesa FA scheduled to be played at Duler Stadium, here, was postponed to Thursday.
