PANJIM/MARGAO: Street Footballers had the last laugh in a 17-goal thriller as they edged past a spirited Pogo Boys, 9-8 on Day 3 of the Futsal Championship organised by Futsal Association of Goa at Don Bosco Oratory Indoor Stadium, Panjim, on Wednesday.
Adrian took advantage of a defensive mix up and then finished clinically for his second. By the time Adrian scored his third off a pass from Bradley Godinho, Pogo Boys were left wondering what really struck them.
However, Pogo Boys did make a dramatic recovery with Oswin leading the charge. Subsequently, Dion scored the second but at the other end, Bradley move on top and found the back of the net to make it 4-2.
Pogo Boys were determined and levelled the scoring before the break with Oswin and Dion securing their brace.
With the start of the second session, the teams showed urgency to control the proceedings. Street Footballers got their noses in front once again as Keegan made the most after finding rival keeper Michael out of his position, 5-4.
With the face pace and skill, it was always going to be a high scoring game and the flow continued with Valerian heading in a cross from Gabriel.
As the match progressed, Adrian displayed fine skills to set up Keegan for their sixth goal.
The final quarter became frantic. Adrian was playing a crucial role in the attack for Street Footballers. Thus time the striker combined well with Bradley as the latter kept his cool to bulge the nylons from close.
Michael did score for Pogo Boys but it didn’t matter much as Adrian worked his magic down the left flank and set up Bradley to make it 8-6.
Oswin managed to reduce the margin with a deflection of a rival defender. With only a goal separating the teams, it was a nervy final minutes and Valerian sparked the match to life to level terms.
However, in what was the last action of the tie, Keegan nodded in the match-winner for a dramatic, yet deserving win.
Bradley was adjudged Player -of-the-Match
In another match Silent Assassins defeated Varca Warriors 3-2, at Fr Agnel’s ground, Verna.
Silent Assassins opened the scoring just a minute into the contest after some great combination play ended with Doyl firing high past an exposed goalkeeper. However, Varca Boys quickly drew level as Brendon volleyed a deflected ball into the net.
The match settled into an entertaining and fast-tempo affair, with Varca’s Jhonus hitting the post while at the other end Godfrey pinged a shot against the crossbar after attempting to lob over the keeper.
The Silent Assassins were on a high in first half with a 1-0 lead and Varca Warriors had to change strategy in the second half.
Brandon converted an assist in the second attempt for Varca to restore parity while the always lively Silent Assassins fired home with hard direct shot with Doyl on the ball.
Silent Assassins were arguably having the better of the second half and attacked from the flanks.
Varca Warriors seeking to leapfrog their opponents, played with a plan in the latter half and were rewarded for their endeavour as Brendon slammed the ball in to restore parity.
The game changer was Godfrey of Silent Assassins who made no mistake to take his team through with a 3-2 win.
In another match, 5 Souls stunned Holy Spirit Boys in their Group B clash.
