SCG Press Release
Sporting Clube de Goa proved to be too hot for the highlanders as the Goan side thrashed their Gangtok opponents 5 – 1 in their 4thmatch of Durand Cup 2016. Cajetan Fernandes (4’) opened the flood gates with an early header while, Marcus Mascarenhas (17’),Joseph Pereira (33’), Ganesh Thakur (45’+) & Victorino Fernandes (55’) got their names on the score sheet. For GangtokHimalayan SC Rishab Sharma (19’) scored the consolation goal.
Sporting Clube de Goa was off to a flying start right from the kick-off. In the very first minute Victorino Fernandes made a dazzling run but couldn’t get his shot off. In the 4th minute Sporting won a corner which was delivered elegantly by Harpreet Singh finding Cajetan Fernandes in the box who slotted home the early goal Sporting were looking for. Sporting maintained a good shape and looked dangerous with the aerial balls. In the 17th minute the Goan side won another corner kick which was a carbon copy of the first, Harpreet Singh once again managed to send in a beauty this time to find Marcus at the end of it who powered it past the Gangtok keeper. Trying to get back into the game Gangtok SC made some brilliant passes to find Rishab Sharma who beat the Sporting defenders and put one past Ravi Kumar to make it 2 -1 in the 19th minute. Just when Gangtok SC felt they were getting back in the game Joseph Pereira hoodwinked the defenders to brilliantly control a ball from Ganesh Thakur and slot it past the keeper making it 3 – 1. After setting up the previous goal Ganesh Thakur himself slotted in the 4th goal just before half-time. In the injury time Gangtok SC won a penalty but it was just one of those days where nothing could go against Sporting as Rishab hit the post and missed their chance to narrow the gap. Score stayed 4 – 1 at the half-time.
Crossing over Sporting were completely in control, Glan Martins and Cajetan Fernandes bossed the midfield. At the other end Loveday Enyinnaya & Harpreet Singh put up a brilliant show. The attacking intent of Harpreet and Loveday made things worse for the highlanders. In the 55th minute Victorino Fernandes further increased the gap with a 22 yards rasping shot which went past the keeper making it 5 – 1 with little left to play for Gangtok SC. Rest of the half saw Sporting dominate proceedings while creating some good chances. Towards the injury time Victorino Fernandes of Sporting & Baichung of Gangtok SC were given their marching orders by the referee for a rough tackle.
