the goan I network
MARGAO/PANAJI
Panjim Footballers overcame Goa Police 1-0 in their GFA 1st Division League match at DSYA grounds, Curtorim on Thursday.
Shawn Noronha scored the lone goal of the game in the 33rd minute.
The first half was an evenly balanced contest with both teams matching each other in terms of intensity and equal number of scoring chances. As the match progressed, Panjim Footballers came close in stealing the lead when Snedden Rodrigues, trying a close range attempt inside the six yard box blazed over the bar.
The Panjim side also enjoyed more set pieces as they piled the pressure on Goa Police.
The all-important goal came in the 33rd minute when Shawn Noronha unleashed a fine shot which beat the rival goalkeeper all ends up.
At the other end, the momentum shifted and Goa Police came up with nice moves and in the 42nd minute when striker Rajesh Salgaocar nearly equalized but rival defender was equal to the task to avert the danger.
Post resumption, Panjim Footballers tried a couple of long rangers through Daryl Costa and Alistio Camotio which were on target but didn’t trouble the keeper.
Goa Police skipper also tried to get his team back into the game with a solo attempt. Milind Shinde outwitted couple of rival defenders before unleashing a stiff shot from 35 yards out which went into the stands instead of goal.
Goa Police came close to scoring when Abdul Khan couldn’t find the target from eight yards out as a Sachin Chopdekar cross from the left was headed over the bar from an unmarked position.
Goa Police dominated play in the last 25 minutes with captain Milind, troubling the rival defence with well orchestrated raids.
Goa Police went all out in search of equalizer but Panjim Footballers goalkeeper came to his side’s rescue when he blocked Gulrej Kahn header with great difficulty to troop out worthy winners
In another match at Government Village School play ground, Ambelim , Curtorim Gymkhana drew with Salgaocar Colts 0-0 in a match that had it’s share of excitement .
Meanwhile, At Goa Velha grounds, Penha de Franca SC secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Goa Velha SC. Josley Dias (45+1’ and 66’) scored a brace.
In another game, at Sangolda, Holy Cross SC, Arambol defeated Vagator Parish Youth SC 2-1.
