Francisco Fernandes' double help Vasco SC beat Velsao SCC in GPL

Alson Fernandes and Savlon Fernandes were the other scorers for the winning side.

Skipper Francisco Fernandes scored a brace as Vasco SC registered a 4-2 win over Velsao Sports and Cultural Club in the Selvel Goa Professional League, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Thursday.

Alson Fernandes and Savlon Fernandes were the other goal-getters for the winners while Sheldon Pereira and Veltio Cruz managed to script their names on the score sheet for Velsao.

Vasco SC looked threatening early in the game as Cavin Lobo fired a low shot from inside the box which Velsao keeper Jeet Gupta managed to block by pushing the ball for a corner.

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In the 3rd minute, a back pass from Velsao defender created a scare for Velsao after the ball bounced over the keeper. But much to their delight, it was off target and went out of play.

In the 8th minute, Vasco SC's Kuldeep came up with a crucial block when he pushed a Velsao freekick for a corner. Vasco's defence did well to guard their goal despite having a series of raids from Velsao players.

Velsao SCC broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through Sheldon Pereira. Velito's freekick from outside the box was cleared by Vasco SC's Kuldeep but the ball fell to Sheldon, who slammed a first-time shot past Vasco SC keeper Luis Bareto.

Cavin Lobo made a fine run in the area before passing the ball to Reeve Costa, but the last-named goal-bound shot was blocked by Velsao's Leny Rodrigues.

Vasco SC came back strongly in the second half. There were attacking chances coming thick and fast for the Port Towners and they made it all square in the 52nd minute they got the equaliser from a set-piece. Francisco Fernandes sent in another fine delivery from the flag-kick, which was headed in by unmarked Alson Fernandes.

In the 58th minute, Vasco took the lead with a goal from Francisco Fernandes. Cavin played to Savlon Fernandes on the flank, and the youngster ran down the by-line and played a cutback pass to Francisco, who kept his composure and calmly slotted in the bottom corner, 2-1.

The lead lasted just for four minutes as Velsao made it all square from a set piece.  Neville Alburquerque fouled Ronil with a rash tackle outside the box prompting the referee to award a free-kick and also flash yellow to Neville. Velito Cruz curled the resultant freekick in the bottom left corner.

James Fernandes was wasteful for Velsao as the striker missed two sitters. First, he headed wide with just the keeper at his sight and then all he had to do was tap in but he failed to do so.

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At the other end, Vasco punished them for wasting their chances as Savlon Fernandes scored a stunning goal from the edge of the box giving no chance for Jeet.

Luis Bareto came with a fine save in the 75th minute when he blocked Rohan Rodrigues' effort.

Vasco scored their fourth in the 81st minute when Cavin Lobo spotted Francisco Fernandes run in the area, and the latter scored with a fine finish.

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