St Rock, Cavelossim share spoils

MARGAO, JAN 7
St Rock’s Sports Club, Fatrade surprised Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim when they struck at the last moment to steal a 2-2 draw in GFA’s First Division League at Varca ground, on Friday. Santa Cruz were trailing 0-1 at half time.
Santa Cruz went on the offensive from the outset and had a number of scoring opportunities with John Barretto and Josley Miranda squandering easy scoring chances. Twice John Barretto’s try hit the crossbar much to the dismay of the Cavelossim supporters. Although Santa Cruz held the upper hand, it was St Rock’s who forged into the lead in the 27th minute when Melwyn Fernandes headed in off a flag kick taken by Columban Noronha.
Crossing over, Santa Cruz came on level terms in the 47th minute when defender John Barretto picked up the ball from the flank and unleashed a snap shot which crashed into the net.
Spurred by the success, Santa Cruz piled up pressure and their hard work was rewarded when striker Vitorino Fernandes punished the rival keeper with a deft placement after he received a through pass from Djon Fernandes.
Stung by the reverse, St Rock’s created many openings and when Cavelossim defender fouled a Fatrade player, they were awarded the free kick in the 63rd. The resultant spot kick taken by striker Columban Noronha was well executed and he gave no chance to the  Cavelossim keeper Jonathon Faleiro to put his team on equal terms.
The goal boosted the morale of Fatrade and they came close in netting the match-winner but Columban Noronha’s shot struck the post and went out.
Santa Cruz were unlucky at the fag end when John Barretto’s try hit the crossbar.
Meanwhile, the teams expressed their unhappiness with the playing surface when they said that the grass is not properly cut and thus had a tough time with their passes. To make matters worse, the marking of the ground was not visible.