MAPUSA: Vasco Sports Club played their hearts out to collect three deserving points with 2-1 victory over Churchill Bros Sports Club, in GFA’s Goa Professional League, round five football match, at Duler Stadium, here, on Tuesday. The goals came in the first session.
The Black and Whites surged ahead in the 12th minute through U-20 Jaison Dias while Jerose Oliveira scored the second but The Red Machines pulled a goal back before the break through Odafa Okolie
Vasco have seven points from five matches and are in the fifth spot in the standings. Churchill Bros are one place below their opponents with same points but have a match in hand.
Before the kick-off, a minutes silence was observed to mourn the recent death of Ciabro Alemao, General Secretary of Churchill Bros.
The Red Machines were boosted as experienced Micky Fernandes made his first start of the season in midfield while Odafa Okolie led the attack.
However, it was Vasco who took the lead in the 12th minute as under-20 Jaison Dias tapped in from close range after Naveen Mendes’ cross from the left deflected off Churchill Bros’ Elvis Barretto.
Vasco were spurred and Aiken Dias inspired his team in the build up of the second goal at the half hour mark. The skipper moved dangerously, played a quick one-two with Jaison and fired a rasping shot from inside the box. Churchill Bros keeper Sukhwinder Singh did well to block Aiken’s effort but the ball fell in the path of Jerose, who sneaked past his marker and headed in, 2-0.
Down by two goals, Churchill Bros kept calm and hoped Odafa could work his magic.
Soon, the Nigerian thought he had scored but the striker was flagged offside by referees assistant Philip D’Souza.
Just before the break, Churchill Bros earned a free-kick and Sudheesh’s perfect delivery was excellently controlled by Odafa, who turned and unleashed a half volley that crashed into the far corner, 2-1.
In the second session, Vasco coach Mathew D’Costa tried to reorganize his side as he brought in Royston Pereira as a defensive midfielder in place of Jaison. They did well to maintain the rival pressure and also created good openings at the same time.
At the other end, Churchill Bros tried hard to score. Their best chance to secure a point came in the final minutes when substitute Pankaj Sona headed towards Odafa but Vasco’s Don Fernandes made a timely tackle.
