Tropa hold FC Siolim goalless

Tropa hold FC Siolim goalless
* Sirsaim too good for Eagles
HERALD SPORTS REPORTER
MAPUSA, AUG 28
Football Club of Siolim missed the chance to go two points clear in the table when they played out a goalless draw against Tropa Sports Club and Cultural Association at St Anthony’s church ground on Saturday. It was the first goalless match in this season’s GFA’s Third Division.
After this result, FC Siolim have seven points alongwith Siolim Sodiem and Xetrapal SC. Cunchelim have collected six points. Holy Cross, Arambol have three and Tropa picked up their first point after four matches. Xetrapal and Holy Cross have a game in hand.FC Siolim were unlucky not to score as they dominated, having greater territorial advantage.
Tropa’s stubborn defence helped them to withstand all Siolim’s attacks and successfully earn their first point in the campaign. They also have their goalkeeper Shivanand Shirodkar to thank for pulling off at least half a dozen great saves and this without wearing gloves. Tropa were also wearing jerseys with faded numbers on the back. For the fourth time running it made it very difficult for match officials and media to distinguish the players.
After just ten minutes FC Siolim had the ball in the back of the net, but the referee had already signalled for free kick to FC Siolim. The FC Siolim bench was furious that the referee did not play the advantage rule.
Anish Dargulkar was the mastermind in the Siolim midfield and in the 25th his 25-yard shot was tipped onto the crossbar by the Tropa custodian.
Just before the breather, Siolim’s Domnic D’Souza headed just wide of the post.
Changing over Domnic was at it again, but the Siolim goalkeeper made a fine save after just two minutes.
In the 27th Domnic was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to be denied once again.
Towards the end of the game Pradap Pomburkar hit a half volley but it went over for a goal kick.
FC Siolim will be frustrated that they did not score after having so many chances.
In another match at St Christopher’s church ground, Tivim, Sirsaim Sports and Welfare defeated Eagle SC 5-1. Eagle took the lead through Haresh Walewelkar in the 7th. Kenny Dias equalised in the 22nd for Sirsaim. Mahesh Kambli put Sirsaim ahead in the 34th. After the break Drynan Pereira punted home in the 63rd to put Sirsaim in a commanding position. Although Sirsaim were reduced to ten men in the closing stages when Llyod Fernandes was sent off for a reckless tackle, Sirsaim added two more. Kenny got his second in the 80th and Mahesh netted his second in the 84th.