NAVELIM: Sporting Clube de Goa defeated Velsao Sports and Cultural Club 2-0 in the GFA Goa Professional League match, at Rosary ground, Navelim, on Saturday.
George De Souza and Marcus Mascarenhas scored for the winners.
Sporting Clube de Goa started with attacking intent and had the first attempt at the rival goal early in the game when Philip Odugwu headed the ball ahead for Marcus in the box, but the last shot straight at the keeper.
Velsao SCC were forced to play a defensive game throughout as Sporting, who were without a win in the last two games pushed extra men forward to get the breakthrough. Philip and Marcus had their chances but they lacked the finishing touches.
Sporting Clube’s left flank tormented the Velsao SCC, with Stendly and George constantly pushing the ball forward.
However, in the 36th minute, Sporting Clube took the lead from a free-kick. George DeSouza’s initial effort hit the wall before coming into his way and this time his half volley bounced just before the keeper and entered the goal before taking a touch of the keeper.
Sporting Clube had two clear chances to consolidate their lead but Philip and Marcus were wasteful. First Delton played Philip through on goal on right flank, and with just the keeper, Philip’s low shot sailed past the far post.
Minutes later, Velsao keeper’s poor decision to come out and clear a George’s through pass to Stendly, which the latter won and played to Marcus however, with the keeper out of position, the skipper shot wide
In the second half, Sporting continued from where they had left from — missing chances while Velsao showed no intent to score. They played withdrawn game while even their efforts were feeble in the final third.
Marcus should have doubled the account when Delton played in a cross in the box, but once again the last man headed wide.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Velsao came with first real chance in the game when Joseph Pereira’s effort was blocked in the box by the crowded Sporting defence.
At the other end, Sporting Clube’s Akeraj Martins nearly doubled the lead from a counter attack from the left flank, but the Velsao custodian came with a fine save.
Velsao’s Bersal Viegas was outstanding in the heart of their defence as the former Salgaocar lad managed to pin Sporting players.
Marcus Mascarenhas finally scored in the second half additional time when Philip set him on goal and this time he kept his composure and slotted home to score the second and all three points for the Flaming Oranje.
