MAPUSA: Xetrapal Sports Club scored a fluent 3-0 win over Saligao Sporting in the GFA’s 2nd Division League, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Monday.
Both sides adapted to midfield tactics with moves few and far between. It was in the 35th minute that Saligao created a real chance at scoring when Andrew D’Melllo charged into the rival camp and unleashed a power-packed shot which was brilliantly pushed away by Xetrapal custodian Ritesh Narvekar.
Minutes before the halftime whistle, Xetrapal managed to break the deadlock when Sangam Pednekar saw his long range effort ricochet off the Saligao woodwork, and the ball travelled to Vidhesh Sawant who coolly slotted the ball home, 1-0.
On resumption of play, Saligao keeper did well to thwart Dikshay Sarap from scoring from handshaking distance while minutes later Xetrapal keeper managed to deny Abhijit Gaunekar and Rohan Pednekar from scoring.
Xetrapal managed to double the lead when Akash Banaulikar curled in the ball towards unmarked Vasudev Agarwadekar who guided the ball into the Saligao nets, 2-0.
In the last quarter, Xetrapal sealed the fate of the match in their favour when Vishesh Sawant scored through a stiff grounder, 3-0.
Since the appointed two referees failed to turn up for the encounter, Devraj Tari, a referee who had come with the intention of watching the match, was asked to play the role of a linesman while Mauricio Almeida was asked to be the fourth official for the encounter. The entire debacle saw the match begin ten minutes behind schedule.
At Poriat grounds, Candolim Sports Club squeezed past PVC Parra 3-2.
In the 20th minute Lestan Martins saw his well executed freekick bang the Parra horizontal bar.
Gideon Dovi managed to put Candolim into the lead in the 32nd minute of play through a firm placement.
In the 40th minute, Candolim consolidated their lead with Lestan Martins scoring from inside the Parra goal area, 2-0.
Changing ends Candolim further inflated their lead through the boots of Canute Fernandes.
Parra exerted tremendous pressure and managed to net in two goals through Rowel Pinto and Omkar Sawant, 3-2.
