Salgaocar hold off Indian Bank rally

Share:

January 07, 2004 20:18 IST

Salgaocar survived a late charge before scoring a 3-2 victory over Indian Bank in an eighth National Football League match, at the Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Wednesday.

Salgaocar, who dominated a major part of the match, shot into the lead in the 10th minute when defender Remus Gomes tried to send a cross from inside the box. The ball deflected off a rival defender and went into the goal.

Salgaocar kept pressure on the rival defence and could have increased the lead but Freddy Mascarenhas's powerful shot off a Felix pass was saved by keeper Felix Edward.

The Goa side went into the breather leading 1-0.

After the change of ends, Salgaocar continued to hold midfield supremacy and increased the lead in the 48th minute through Felix Ibrebru, who made no mistake in slotting home.

Five minutes later, defender Bello Rasaq made it 3-0 off a free-kick taken by Ibrebru.

Leading 3-0, Salgaocar paid the price for complacency.

Indian Bank regrouped and reduced the margin in the 76th minute when Sabio tapped the ball in.

Pepped up by the success, the bankmen pressed hard and  Jaysuriya again found the space to head home off a flag-kick taken by Fazlur Rahman.

Thereafter, Indian Bank went all out and nearly got the equaliser with few minutes remaining but Joseph failed to cash in on a chance to score offered by Jaysuriya.

Salgaocar have 13 points from 8 matches while Indian Bank are at the bottom with one point from as many matches.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Share: