Goa Professional League Roundup – Matchday 18

Goan FC continued their unbeaten run in the Goa Professional League with a 3-0 win over Corps of Signals. Dempo SC is three points behind the league leaders with a 2-0 win over Velsao SCC. At the other end of the table, Panjim Footballers thrash Bardez FC 8-1, while Calangute leaves it late to beat Velsao.

Goan FC blank Signals with a convincing win

A brace by Lalawmpuia enabled Goan FC to beat Corps of Signals 3-0 at the 3 MTR grounds, Rawanfond. The win takes Goan FC’s unbeaten run in the Goa Professional League to 12 matches.

The Young Gaurs started the match on the front foot with some came up with some swift passes and good positional play. Their endeavors were rewarded in the 21st minute. Lalawmpuia latched on to a through ball from Liston Colaco, drew the rival keeper Niyas Mon out of the goal line before placing the ball to the far end of the net to make in 1-0.

Liston Colaco and Aaren Silva had their chances but they failed to keep their composure in front of goal. In the 41st minute, Lalawmpuia doubled the tally. Upon receiving a pass from Aaren, the Mizo lad dribbled past a couple of rival defenders before finding the back of the net.

At the other end, Corps of Signals did create opportunities, T C Lalhuapzauva and Lairellaktam Singh in particular. However, the Armymen did not have their shooting boots on.

Arren D’Silva put the game to bed in the 63rd minute. Upon receiving a pass from Lalawmpuia, he unleashed a fierce shot which proved too much for Niyas Mon to handle.

Corps of Signals should have had a consolation goal in the final minute, but Vishnu Chhetri’s shot went over the bar from close distance.

Goan FC is on the top of the league table with collected 32 points from 12 matches, while Corps of Signals are on 9th position with 13 points.

Joaquim ups the tempo as Dempo beat Velsao

A brace by Joaquim Abranches helped Dempo Sports Club to register a 2-0 win against Velsao Sports and Cultural Club in at the SAG Grounds, Utorda.

Velsao SCC started the brighter of the two teams in the opening exchanges. Midfielder Flan Gomes was at the center of Velsao’s attacks, while striker Lalwang Bohham should have put his team in front midway through the first half.

The Dempo SC defense, led by Mathew Gonsalves alongside goalkeeper Tyson Caido, ensured that the teams went out for the half time remained goalless.

Dempo SC could have also scored in the first half, but some woeful finishing from Beevan D’Mello and Jessel Carneiro could not hot the target. Joaquim Abranches also missed from six yards out.

Joaquim, who missed some glaring chances in the first session from a close distance, made up for his lost opportunities and struck in the 52nd and 87th minute of play to give Dempo Sports Club three points.

A cross by Jessel Carneiro into the box provided the opportunity for Abranches to head in the ball past the Velsao keeper Presley Mascarenhas.

The striker doubled the lead in the closing stages of the match with a stiff grounder off a cross from the left flank to put the game to bed.

With this win, Dempo SC has collected 29 points, while Velsao Sports and Cultural Club have 17 points.

Capital punishment as Panjim put eight past Bardez

Panjim Footballers piled on more misery on Bardez FC with an 8-1 win at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa. Delton Colaco scored four goals and he opened the scoring in the 14th minute.

After receiving a pass from Clifton Fernandes, the striker put the ball past Elesh Shirvoikar with ease. Five minutes later, Kunal Kankolkar doubled the lead from the penalty kick. A foul by Nehal Parab on Chandan Gawas resulted in a penalty.

At the half-hour mark, Delton made it 3-0 with a chest control finish from a long ball by Daryl Costa. The U-20 striker in lethal form. Daryl Costa himself made it 4-0 in the 40th minute after Valmiki Miranda put him through.

Panjim went into the break with a 4-0 advantage.

Crossing over, the onslaught continued with Delton Colaco completing his hat-trick in the 47th minute with a fierce left-footer.

Bardez FC changed goalkeepers in the 51st minute, Pinto coming in for Shirvoikar. The new goalie saw Delton score his fourth in the 57th minute. Three minutes later Lokesh Talwar made it 7-0 for Panjim.

Carlton Cabral pass caught the entire Panjim defense napping to allow Aniket Agarwadekar to score a consolation in the 65th minute. But Bardez FC’s miserable day out culminated with Cyril Dais scoring the eighth in the 87th minute.

The Capital City side moved up to 9th place with 14 points, while Bardez remains rooted at the bottom with six points, having conceded 53 goals so far.

Pednekar and Fall helps Calangute rise above Velsao

Two late goals enabled Calangute Association to come back from a goal down and register a stunning 2-1 win against Velsao Sports and Cultural Club at the SAG Grounds, Utorda.

Fall could have given Calangute the lead in the very first minute of play but he shot over the bar. Velsao Sports and Cultural Club went ahead courtesy a curler from striker Joseph Pereira after receiving a pass from Lalwang Bohham put the home team in front.

The hosts did not make the most of their opportunities despite midfielder Flan Gomes creating opportunities. Joseph Pereira and Lalwang Bohham failing to find the net.

Midway in the second session, Rohan Pednekar was subbed in and tilted the game in Calangute’s favor. The equalizer came in the 85th minute. Rohan Pednekar’s pass found Abdoul Fall, who went past two defenders before slotting it past keeper Preston Rego.

Two minutes later, Rohan Pednekar put the visitors ahead. Following a defensive lapse, the super sub placed the ball at the far end of Velsao goal.

With this win, Calangute Association is at 11th spot with 13 points, while Velsao Sports and Cultural Club remain on 17 points.

Salgaocar-Guardian Angel match postponed

The Goa Professional League match between Salgaocar Football Club and Guardian Angel Sports Club to be held at Utorda ground has been postponed to further notice, stated a GFA press release.