GPL 2019-20: Calangute Association pip Corps of Signals

The Beachside secured their second consecutive win on Monday afternoon.

Calangute Association secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Corps of Signals in the Goa Professional League on Monday. Daryl Costa scored the all-important goal for the Beachside.

Signals coach Eban Mesqueita made a few changes following a 3-0 defeat against FC Goa. Goalkeeper Binu Purushothaman along with Pawan Thakur, Aditya D’Crus and Melroy Moura made the cut. On the other hand, Chandan Govenkar replaced injured Moises D’Sa for the Beachside, who helped in a fluent 3-0 win over Panjim Footballers in the last match.

Corps of Signals started the match on an attacking note, but it was Calangute Association who came close to scoring first. Corps of Signals defender Amit Tariyal made a back-pass to his keeper Binu, which was intercepted by Calangute Association's Chandan. However, his attempt was brilliantly blocked by the former side's goalkeeper.

A few minutes later, Calangute came up with another swift attack. Defender Minesh Kunkolkar made a fine through-pass to Chandan in the box. However, the forward failed to reach it, as the ball went out for a goal-kick.

Signals had their first look at goal in the 42nd minute. U-20 winger Aditya made a perfect cross to Nim Bhutia in the box. However, the midfielder’s header was collected by Calangute keeper Sanij Bugde with ease.

After probing attacks, Calangute finally took the lead in the 45th minute. Malik Mulla tried to find his teammate Daryl Costa with a curler, however, the ball hit Signals defender Amit and rolled to the forward, who placed it at the far post to put his side ahead.

They almost doubled their lead in added-time. Malik sent a perfect corner to Gourav Kankonkar in the box, who headed it, but Signals keeper Binu stretched to his limit to deny the midfielder.

Down by a goal, Corps of Signals made a double substitution at half-time. Aditya and Melroy made way for Shuklab Bordoloi and L. Nokul Singh, as the midfielders strengthened them in attack. Signals produced back-to-back raids on the rivals in the first few minutes, but could not manage to break Calangute’s strong defence.

Calangute once again came close to doubling their tally. Chandan sent a low cross to his teammate Malik, but keeper Binu made a diving effort to clear the danger in time.

Three minutes later, Nokul made a darting run on the wing and found Pawan Thakur in a commanding position with a smart cut-back, but the lad failed to keep his shot on target.

In the dying minutes of the match, the Army men tried hard to come back into the contest, with continuous attacks. But, Calangute defenders Krishnanath Shirodkar and Gourav Vaigankar, along with Minesh Kunkolkar and Joaquim Carvalho kept every danger at bay to book all three points from the difficult match.