Goa Professional League Roundup – Matchday 3

Dempo and Goan FC registered big wins in Round 3 of the Goa Professional League. Churchill Brothers also chalked up a win, while Sporting CD Goa beat Salgaocar SC in the big fixture of the round.

Uttam Rai stars in Churchill Brothers win

Churchill Brothers beat Vasco Sports Club 3-0 at Duler stadium.

The Red Machines scored two quick goals in the first half through Clencio Pinto (30th min) and Umesh Harijan (34th min). Uttam Rai (75th min), who had a brilliant game completed the rout with a third.

Clencio Pinto had come off the bench in the 30th minute and scored with his first touch. A poor clearance fell to Clencio, who finished with aplomb.

Churchill consolidated their lead four minutes later when an Anniston Fernandes cross found Umesh Harijan. The latter placed his header past goalkeeper Sanju Thapa to make it 2-0.

After the break, Vasco created a couple of chances of their own. However, Uttam Rai put the result beyond doubt when he connected brilliantly with a corner by Nicholas Fernandes to make it 3-0.

Churchill Brothers are on top of the league with nine points from three games, while Vasco is on four points.

Dempo thrash Velsao SCC

A brilliant goal by Pruthvesh Pednekar was the highlight of Dempo SC’s 6-1 thrashing of Velsao Sports and Cultural Club at Duler Stadium.

In the 26th minute, Jessel Carneiro’s lobbed ball appeared to be going out of play. However, Pruthvesh chased the ball down and from a near-zero angle headed the ball in past the Velsao custodian.

Striker Joaquim Abranches headed in the second goal three minutes later. The score remained unchanged until the break.

After the break, Dempo continued their domination. After the constant pressure, the floodgates were opened in the 74th minute when Velito Cruz made it 3-0.

Velsao pulled back a goal from a counter-attack courtesy their skipper Joseph Pereira in the next minute.

Suraj Hadkonkar came on to replace Pruthvesh and the substitute immediately got into the act. He latched on to a through pass from Beevan and beat the keeper for the fourth goal in the 79th minute.

Abranches headed in his second goal when he met Suraj’s curling cross to make it 5-1 in the 83rd minute. Suraj also netted his brace and team’s sixth goal in added time.

Goan FC fight back to hammer Bardez FC

The Duler Stadium welcomed the visitors from Bardez to face Goan FC, the development squad of FC Goa.

Bardez FC scored in the fifth minute when Lepcha beat the onrushing Goan FC keeper Shubham Dhas to make it 1-0. The visitors should have doubled their lead in the 9th minute, but striker Lepcha failed to connect a curling inside the 6-yard box.

The attempts of the Young Gaurs were kept out by Bardez keeper Urgen Pinto to maintain the advantage for Bardez at half-time.

After the break, Goan FC equalized within two minutes. Brian Faria heading in to make it 1-1.

Lalawmpuia scored twice within four minutes to give Goan FC the advantage, scoring in the 56th and 59th minute.

Princeton Rebello and Varun Mathur scored two late goals in the 87th and the 90th minute to complete the 5-1 rout.

Goan FC is on seven points, while Bardez FC is yet to open their account after their third match.

Sporting Clube rally to beat Salgaocar FC

Sporting Clube de Goa came from behind to beat Salgaocar Football Club 2-1 at Duler Stadium.

In a keenly fought tussle, Salgaocar were on the front foot right from the start. However, Mackroy Peixoto gave Salgaocar the lead in the 31st minute from the penalty spot.

Sporting got the equalizer and the winning goal in the second half through Marcus Mascarenhas and Cajetan Fernandes respectively.

After the break, Sporting created constant pressure which paid off in the 76th minute. A failed clearance hit the Salgaocar keeper and the ball fell kindly to Marcus Mascarenhas, whio made it 1-1

Cajetan Fernandes scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute. His curling free-kick left Salgaicar keeper Jason little chance.

Salgaocar almost snatched a point in the closing minutes but Stephen Satarkar failed to direct his header goalwards. Both teams are on six points after 3 matches.

Guardian Angel share spoils with Panjim Footballers

Panjim Footballers and Guardian Angel SC played out a goalless draw at Rosary Grounds, Navelim.

There was a chance each for either side to collect all three points, however, poor finishing contributed to the match remaining goalless.

The two teams collected a point each and stay in the 7th and 8th spot after gathering 3 points each in three matches.

Calangute Association register first win

Calangute Association Sports Club registered their first win over Corps of Signals at Poriat Grounds.

Both teams went into the match in search of their first win. Calangute Association had one point in two matches, while Corps of Signals were yet to open their account.

In the 14th minute, Franky Oliveira of Calangute sent a long ball to a well-positioned Sachidananad Satelkar, who after covering some ground, finished it with a neat placement.

The best chance of for Corps came in the last ten minutes. Harshad Thube’s shot from outside the penalty box was saved by Calangute keeper Shubham for a corner. While Nim Tshering Bhutia’s curling shot at the goal hit the bar.

Calangute climbs up the table to sixth place, while the Army Men stay put in the relegation spot.

Dempo v Salgaocar in Round 4

The standout fixture in the 4th round is the Dempo-Salgaocar clash. Dempo will look to maintain their 100% start.

The Goan FC-Sporting CD Goa is also expected to provide some exciting football.

Corps of Signals will hope to get off the mark on the points table when they host Guardian ASC, while Bardez FC will hope to do the same against Calangute.

Vasco would aim to get back to winning ways when they host Velsao. Panjim Footballers will aim to pull a fast one over Churchill Brothers, who has the I-League matches to contend with.