MARGAO: FC Goa gave their legion of fans just what they desired. An evening to remember what with a 3-0 win over Jamshedpur FC at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Thursday.
It was a special occasion. After all the Gaurs were playing in front of their impassioned supporters after two long pandemic-ravaged years and a resounding win was just reward for their unbridled loyalty.
Iker Guarrotxena and Noah Sadaoui spearheaded the assault for the Men in Orange who took an early 2-0 lead.
The icing on the cake was a third goal by homegrown talent Brison Fernandes who netted his first-ever league goal.
It was also a special moment for coach Carlos Pena, taking charge for the first time in the Gaurs own backyard.
His tally of three wins in four matches now equals the joint-best start for an FC Goa coach ever.
Pena rang in two changes to the playing XI that started against Hyderabad FC last week -- as Dheeraj Singh returned to guard the goal and Fares Arnaout replaced the injured Marc Valiente.
Arnaout’s home debut, however, ended in pain when he sustained an injury in the 10th minute and was replaced.
Iker Guarrotxena struck in the second minute. A splendid ball from Edu Bedia from a short corner-kick by Brandon found Redeem Tlang playing into into Guarrotxena’s path and the 29-year-old made no mistake from close range.
In the 12th minute, Noah Sadaoui doubled the lead. A well-rounded move resulted in Brandon playing a forward ball into space that was picked up by the Moroccan who finished with elan.
The visitors lay back in defence but that only gave FC Goa space and time to play their natural game and use ball possession as a platform to create chances.
In the second half, JFC turned more physical but FC Goa, unperturbed for the most part, had a reliable custodian in Dheeraj.
With the long whistle impending, Brison Fernandes volleyed home from Saviour Gama’s pass, underlining the club’s scouting and development system.
FC Goa now have nine points from four matches, are at second place in the table, and prepare for their away match against Kerala Blasters on November 13.