Mapusa (Goa): Salgaocar scored a facile 2-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC to move away from the relegation zone in the 20th round of the I-League played at Duler stadium here on Saturday.
While Lajong remain on 19 points from 20 matches – but drop to 11th place – Salgaocar, who scored their second straight win, moved up the ladder with 20 points from 19 matches, and now out of the relegation zone.
Salgaocar started aggressively as they made inroads into the rival half more often.
Nicolau Colaco, who defended well, moved more often on the right flank putting pressure on the rival defence with his teasing crosses.
After his early two crosses failed to get the desired result, Salgaocar broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when a Wilkinson cross was headed in neatly by Josimar Martins, who did well to shrug off the challenge of defender Minchol Son in the Lajong area.
The visitors retaliated and nearly found the equaliser when Samuel Shadap laid a pass in front of Taisuke but Salgaocar keeper Vinay Singh foiled the counter by charging out in front to clear the ball to safety.
Randeep Singh then increased the lead in the 39th minute when his free kick dipped into the net as rival keeper Basant Singh completely missed the flight of the ball.
Josimar had another chance to increase the lead in the added time of the first half but he shot wide off a Nicolau pass.
SLFC coach Thangboi Singto brought in PC Lalhlimthara for Wailadmi Passah at the start of the second half. He also brought on Samson Ramengmawia for Boithang Haokip and Friday Gbeneme for Sho Kamimura in the 74th and 86th minute respectively.
The home team had some Meghalaya talent as well, with Rocus Lamare seeing action for the Goan team.
Salgaocar continued in the same manner after the change of ends as they put the pressure on the rival defence but Josimar failed to score with rival keeper Basant Singh doing well to keep the ball out of danger.
Substitute Milagres Gonsalves also had a chance towards the end to swell the lead for Salgaocar but couldn’t beat Basant under the bar who charged out and foiled him off a pass from Josimar Martins. (PTI)