Team Herald
MAPUSA: Salgaocar Jrs huffed and puffed before registering a 2-1 win over Young Boys of Tonca (YBT) in a GFA’s First Division play-off match at Duler stadium, here on Tuesday.
Salgaocar struck a goal in each session through Under-20 Richard Fernandes and Under-20 Aditya Talwar, while YBT pulled a goal back through substitute Mahendra Shirvoikar.
Salgaocar dominated the entire first session but poor finishing by their strikes Richard and Michael Dias restricted their tally.
Before Salgaocar opened their account, Under-20 Beckham Dias’ 20-yard strike and also a fierce direct free kick were brilliantly saved by YBT custodian Augustin D’Mello.
In the absence of Nestor Dias, YBT’s midfield looked non-existent and Denvil Fernandes and Gopi Gad could do very little to feed Joshua D’Silva upfront, who did not have one single attempt at the rival goal.
YBT’s defense also made multiple errors and they finally paid dearly as skipper Dishu Singh delayed in clearing the ball which was snatched by Richard Fernandes who scored past helpless custodian Augustin.
On resumption, YBT’s coach Mouzzan Shaikh made three substitutions where Sanket Jotkar played a vital role as an attacking midfielder with the result YBT did most of the attacking. Two goalbound shots by Sanket went over the crossbar. Finally, in the 79th minute Joshua D’Silva squared to overlapping Mahendra Shirvoikar who slammed the ball into the Salgaocar’s goal.
Salgaocar’s Levino Pereira came with three late changes and Richard found unmarked Aditya who controlled the ball and finished with a stiff grounder. In the added time, YBT’s Sunil Desai received marching orders for second booking by referee Tejas Nagvenkar.
In another play-off match at Nagoa, Dempo Sports Club secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cortalim Villagers Social Welfare Association.
