Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Vasco Sports Club defended resolutely to hold Dempo Sports Club to a goalless draw in the eighth round match of the GFA’s Professional League, at Duler Stadium, here, on Friday.
It was a vital point for Vasco as they are now on six points, but for Dempo it was three dropped points though they are still on top the league table with 19 points.
Vasco started brightly but could not show much for their efforts in the first ten minutes as it was nullified by the Dempo defence.
Also U-20 Altaf Navaloor played in his first match for the Port side but failed to justify his inclusion in the starting eleven as he could not find the back of the net from close quarters on two occasions.
Keeper Luis Barretto who after plying his trade for mighty giants East Bengal had returned back to Goan soil to don the colours for Dempo this year brought up a smart stop to deny Suraj Mondal in a one-to-one situation.
After a midfield tussle, Dempo had the first opportunity to open the scoring when Alber Gonsalves flashed in a dangerous cross towards the goal but before U-20 Aman Govekar could get his head to the ball it was plucked off by Vasco keeper Amit Biswas.
Minutes later, Dempo’s Pedro Gonsalves could not keep his header goalwards from a cross delivered by U-20 Rajat Harijan.
Changing ends, Vasco muffed up a golden sitter, when U-20 Sheldon Pereira well measured cross found unmarked Mathew Colaco who only with keeper to beat shot wide to the disbelief of his teammates and the dugout.
Dempo coach Samir Naik in search of a win brought in Desmon Pereira, Suraj Hadkonkar and Beevan D’Mello from the bench to bolster the attack but found it tough to get past the well marshalled Vasco defence.
Dempo kept pushing men forward but Vasco keeper Amit Biswas who excelled in the goal kept out Pedro Gonsalves well struck free-kick and then minutes later confidently collected a diving header from Alber from close.
In the 81st minute, Suraj Hadkonkar almost grabbed full three points for Dempo but his rasping right footer hit the top post with the keeper stranded to his spot.
Speaking to coach, Micky Fernandes said he was content with a point against a superior team. “Our players played extremely well where we played to a plan off closing the defence and attacking on counters and it proved successful,” concluded coach Micky.
Meanwhile at Rosary ground, Navelim, FC Goa came from a goal behind to grab all three points against Guardian Angels to get back to winning ways in the Goa Pro League with a 2-1 win.
Sweden Fernandes and Lalnuntluanga scored for FC Goa while Bamba netted for Guardian Angel.
Aaren D’Silva looked lively in the early goings. He, however, couldn’t make the most of his opportunities and FC Goa had to pay for the lack of precision as Bamba Musah opened the scoring for Guardian Angels in the 18th minute.
Coming out from the dressing room with a point to prove, the young Gaurs started with a real oomph in the second forty-five.
Nestor Dias saw his efforts bounce back off the woodwork in the 51st minute but it didn’t take the youngsters much time to find the equaliser.
The 62nd minute of the game saw Kapil Hoble’s shot parried by the Angels’ keeper.
But Sweden Fernandes was on hand to slot the rebound in.
The Gaurs didn’t settle for the point and looked for the whole three points in the minutes to come.
Their endeavours were finally rewarded in the 74th minute.
Lalnuntluanga attempt on goal was fumbled by the keeper before an unfortunate touch from a defender helped the ball over the line.
This was the team’s second win in four games, propelling the team to 7 points.
