TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MAPUSA: A first half hat-trick from Cliff Fernandes set Sporting Clube de Goa on their way to an impressive 8-0 demolition over 10-man Goa Velha Sports Club in GFA’s Taca Goa U-20 League, at Sangolda ground, Monday. Sporting led 3-0 at the interval.

In the 10^th minute, the Goa Velha defender played a short ball towards his goalkeeper which allowed Sporting Club’s Cliff to sneak in, but he was bundled over by Razar. The referee made the right decision in sending him off and awarding the penalty, which Cliff got up to slot into the corner.

In the 26^th minute, Sporting Clube’s Jason Fernandes sent the ball into the danger area from the right side which Cliff acrobatically volleyed into the net. 

As the match progress, Sporting Clube Frazier Rogtao drove the ball across the face of goal from the right and Cliff was perfectly placed to flick the ball in with a glancing header to complete his hat trick with an absolute class.

In the second session, Pritam Ningthoujam added three goals and Xavier Dias a further two.

Sporting Clube replaced Cliff with Xavier, and his dribbling, assistance and finishing were a real treat for the fans.

The diminutive striker hailing from Curtorim has been under the watchful eye of Sporting coach Severino Fernandes for the past three years and is a real entertaining talent for the future.

After losing their goalkeeper early on, Goa Velha struggled. The team worked very hard, but as the game progressed the players started to tire and by the end looked as if they had given up.

Sporting Clube’s Pritam overpowered the rival players in the box, but his shot flew back of the post which Xavier managed to tap in from close.

Seven minutes later, Nickson Castanha crossed from the right wing and Pritam was allowed the easiest of taps, to score Sporting Clube fifth.

In the 69^th minute, Nickson cut inside the box and played the ball for Pritam who took a single deft touch before blasting into the back of the net.

With 15 minutes left, Xavier weaved his magic for Sporting and finished with a classy shot which crept into the top corner.

In the 89^th minute, Xavier went on a run and squared the ball for Pritam who slotted home his third of the match.

In the injury time, Xavier had the chance to score his third goal, but his header was saved and the follow up shot surprisingly flew over the cross bar. 

At Cansaulim ground, James Fernandes scored a brace as Salgaocar Sports Club defeated Margao Sports Club 5-2.

The match was goalless at the break.

Alwyn Fernandes, Blaise Faleiro and Placidino Fernandes also scored for Salgaocar.

Godley Pacheco and Edgar Noronha scored for  Margao.