Staff Reporter
Nagoa
St Anthony’s Sports Club Marna, Siolim and Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim played out a 2-2 draw in the GFA First Division League Playoffs at Nagoa Panchayat ground
on Wednesday.
St Anthony’s SC dictated the tempo in the first half, dominating possession and carving out openings in the final third. Their pressure finally paid dividends in the 41st minute when Siddhant Shirodkar broke the deadlock. Brandon Pereira delivered a precise low cross from the right flank, which Siddhant coolly slotted home to hand his side a deserved lead.
Buoyed by the opener, St Anthony’s ramped up the intensity in the final third. Shortly after, Alfiano Fernandes showcased his flair, weaving past Cavelossim defenders before slipping a clever pass to Nathan D’Souza. Nathan took a touch to settle and unleashed a crisp strike from the edge of the box, doubling his side’s advantage just before
the halftime whistle.
Cavelossim emerged from the break with renewed intent, pressing forward in search of a lifeline. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Delzan Passanha rose highest to nod home a well-delivered corner from the right, halving the deficit and bringing
the score to 2-1.
Cavelossim kept the pressure on in search of an equaliser and finally found it in the 89th minute through Salvin Fernandes. A teasing cross from the left was partially cleared by a Siolim defender, but the rebound fell perfectly for Salvin, who controlled and rifled a shot into the net to level the scores. In the dying moments, St Anthony’s SC threw bodies forward in a desperate bid to snatch a late winner, but time wasn’t on their side as the match ended in
a stalemate.
