Sporting Goa smash Churchill Brothers in Goa Pro League

The reigning champions outclassed the Red Machines...

Sporting Clube de Goa started the defense of their title with a victory as they overpowered Churchill Brothers 4-0 in the Goa Pro League match played at Duler Stadium earlier today. Sporting went into the break with a two goals lead. The match witness good possession from both sides. Sporting Club De Goa Cajetan Fernandes 35-yard Fantastic Free Kick against Churchil Brothers SC In the very 1st minute Sporting’s Shaw Noronha was lucky to escape without a card as he ruthlessly tackled Churchill’s striker Aldrich Coelho. Nash Pereira came on for Coelho who picked an injury following the tackle. Few minutes later Sporting skipper Joyner Lourenco set up a beautiful through pass for Victorino Fernandes but keeper Ricardo Cardozo raced off his line and collected the ball. In the 15th minute Red Machine midfilder Leander D’Cunha’s pass saw Nicholas in the rival’s box but his shot from six yards was not even close. In the 24th minute Churchill went down through a own goal, when Basant Rai's backpass header beat his own custodian and landed in the net. Ten minutes later Churchill had a chance to level back but Nash Pereira failed to connect from close range. In the 41st minute Sporting doubled their lead through Cajetan Fernandes’s 35-yard free kick which landed into the net beating keeper Ricardo. On crossing over in the 65th minute Glen Martin made no mistake in the danger area to slot the ball into the back of the nylons after getting hold to a pass from Cajetan Fernandes to make it 3-0 for the Faming Orange. Ten minutes later SPG made it 4-0. Substitute Ganesh Thakur set up Victorino Fernandes, who blasted it in from six yards. In the dying minutes of the second half Sporting should have further increased their lead but Churchill’s keeper Cardozo came up with excellent saves, first blocked Seriton Fernandes’s shot and then cleared Cajetan Fernandes effort from close distance. The Sporting manager was happy with the result and praised his team’s performance. “They diserve it. They are working very hard especially after early exit from Goa Police Cup.” He further added, “Now we’ll be playing in Durand Cup. So, it is always good to start with a win. This victory will boost the players' confidence.” Tomorrow’s fixture: FC Bardez Goa vs Salgaocar FC at Duler Stadium, 4.00 p.m.