VASCO: Sporting Clube de Goa gave their best for a hard-fought 1-0 win against FC Bengaluru United in the I-League 2 match played at Tilak Maidan, here, on Saturday.
After a tense first session, Alister Anthony scored the winner for Sporting Clube in the 53rd minute with a gem of a strike.
The win helped Sporting Clube keep their hopes alive in the competition as they defeated the second-placed side.
For now, Sporting Clube moved to the fourth position in the standings with 16 points from 10 games. FC Bengaluru United still occupy the second place with 19 points.
Both teams made a good start. Sporting Clube came close first when Joyson Gauncar hit the side-netting. Then, Shelton Nickson’s ferocious half volley was blocked by FC Bengaluru United defender Jestin George.
FC Bengaluru United could hardly break through the Sporting Clube defence. The visitors tried from distance, but goalkeeper Dylan da Silva left Ashley Koli frustrated with a block.
At the other end, Sporting Clube continued to attack. A corner from Biswa Darjee sailed dangerously into the box but Doyal Alves’ header missed narrowly.
Sporting Clube started with purpose in the second half as Ivon Costa and Rohan Rodrigues were introduced in midfield. Rohan was straight down to business as his promising curler was blocked by the rival defence.
However, it took The Flaming Oranje eight minutes to break the deadlock. Doyal cut back a pass on the left flank and found Alister, who without wasting any time beat FC Bengaluru United keeper Vishal Joon with a neat placement.
The goal boosted the morale of Sporting as they didn’t rest with a one-goal advantage. They wanted more and worked hard for the second.
Doyal came teasingly close after Joyson low cross but his attempt missed narrowly at the near post.
FC Bengaluru United went all out in the final quarter, but Sporting stood rock solid. Captain Joel Colaco put his body on the line and came up with a crucial tackle in the dying minutes to protect Sporting Clube’s slender lead.
Sporting Clube will next host league leaders Sporting Club Bengaluru on Thursday.
