MAPUSA: Sporting Clube de Goa put up a splendid showing as they drubbed Churchill Brothers FC 3-0 in a concluding GFA’s Super League match at Duler stadium here, on Friday. With the victory, they secured the second place with an aggregate of 29 points, one less than champions Dempo.
Knowing fully well that a win in today’s match would keep them in the contest for the GPL title, the Flaming Oranje started earnestly and went into the breather with a two-goal cushion as they capitalised on Churchill Brothers’ defensive errors.
In the 8th minute, Churchill’s goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee left his charge to challenge Rohan Rodrigues, but the last-named collected a long cross from skipper Joel Colaco and beat the rival custodian with a neat placement.
The second goal came half an hour later. Speedy Stendly Fernandes hoodwinked Churchill’s left back Nongpmeikapam Meitei, sped down the right flank and on entering the 18-yard box, squared the ball to unmarked Lloyd Cardozo who tapped the ball into the unguarded goal.
Churchill Bros too had their chances, but Malsawmdawngkima’s and Trijoy Dias’ strikes were saved by Sporting’s custodian Under-20 Bhaskar Jalmi.
In the added first halt time both goalkeepers brought off smart saves. Churchill’s Hayden Fernandes flicked the ball to overlapping Trijoy Dias but before the latter could aim at the goal, Sporting’s custodian Bhaskar thwarted the attempt.
At the other end, Churchill’s goalkeeper brought off a brilliant diving save to as he collected Rohan Rodrigues’ fierce shot.
On resumption, the Flaming Oranje carried on their onslaught and pumped in their third goal with Llyod Cardozo giving the finishing touches to a Stendly Fernandes pass.
Minutes later, Churchill’s Aaron Barreto saw his header being collected by Sporting’s custodian Bhaskar. Later, Llyod Cardozo had all the time in the world to complete his hat-trick but he delayed in shooting at the goal with only the rival goalkeeper at his mercy.
In the last quarter, Sporting’s Stendly’s and Llyod’s strikes were blocked by a Churchill Bros defender and the rival goalkeeper respectively.
Sporting’s Llyod Cardozo received the Man-of-the Match award from Babli Mandrekar.
