Cuncolim Union edge past Goa Velha SC

NAVELIM: Cuncolim Union edged past Goa Velha SC 1-0 in the Geno GFA First Division League in association with Jhoncy Restaurant, played at Navelim ground, on Sunday.

In the 16th minute, John Katti of Cuncolim Union managed to win the ball from Goa Velha defender Sarjeev Kunkolkar but his low shot from the edge of the box went wide.

The Cuncolim side showed some dominance in the game but failed to capitalize on the chances they had. Both sides kept swapping possession as they failed to control the loose ball.

In the 30th minute, John's curling goal bound shot from inside was tapped away for a corner by the custodian of Goa Velha Agnelo Silva denying the Cuncolim team the opener.

But he could not prevent the damage three minutes later as Neceil Pinto's header off Frazer Fernandes' pass landed straight into the nets to give Cuncolim Union a 1-0 lead.

On changing sides, Cuncolim Union came out stronger and should have added another two more goals. 

First in the 50th minute as U-20 player Desmond Pereira had just the keeper to beat but he placed his shot inches away as it went out for a goal kick. While later in the 58th minute, Aliston D'Souza lobbed the ball over in front of Neceil but the latter shot wide on an open target.

The Goa Velha side failed to create any attempt in the second half as the Cuncolim boys went all out to find more goals. Neceil had an easy attempt in the last quarter of the game but he failed to control the ball athis feet. 

In the 86th minute, last man Imamsab was brought down at the edge of the box by the Goa Velha keeper which earned the Cuncolim team a free kick at the edge of the box and also a booking for the goalkeeper.