Reds go down 1-3 in away match, fall to fifth in standings
GOA: A brace from Darryl Duffy and one goal from from Dudu Omagbemi ensured a 3-1 victory for Salgaocar FC who thwarted with ease a challenge from Shillong Lajong FC at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Friday.
Salgaocar, who led 2-1 at half time, scored through Darryl Duffy (11th, 33rd) and Dudu Omagbemi (59th).Boithang Haokip netted one for Lajong in the 45th minute.
Duffy’s double strike provided an early advantage to the hosts and when Haokip pulled one back for the Reds at the stroke of half time, Omagbemi responded to the challenge with a goal that broke Lajong’s back and ensured Salgaocar their third consecutive victory.
The victory also helped the Goan side overcome Lajong on the table and occupy the fourth spot with 27 points. Lajong on the other hand are now placed fifth with 24 points.
Lajong, who had defeated the home side in their previous two encounters this season started on a confident note taking the attack to the opposition early on but Salgaocar scored against the run of play. The hosts took the lead, thanks to the sloppy work on the part of Reds goalkeeper Vinay Singh who dropped a gentle header from Francis Fernandes allowing Duffy to tap the ball into the nets from handshaking distance.
Duffy found the back of the nets again just after the half hour mark although this time there were no easy gifts from either the defenders or the goalkeeper. Dudu played a nice short ball to Duffy on the top of the box and the Scottish striker responded with a powerful grounder to find the nets for a 2-0 advantage.
The home team should have added another goal a minute later but missed a great opportunity. The visiting team made an early change minutes before the break by bringing in Subash Singh for Lalramluaha.
In the 45th minute, Cornell Glen earned his team a free kick just outside the box after he was fouled by Rocus Lamare. Free kick specialist Boithang placed the ball beautifully in the top left corner of the goal to beat a diving Karanjit Singh as the Reds finally tasted success.
However, the goal on the stroke of half time did not deter the hosts’ progress post the lemon break. Crossing over, there was no slip in momentum on the part of Salgaocar and Dudu made it 3-1 for the hosts following a commotion inside the box in the 59th minute.
Earlier in the second half, the Reds looked more likely to score the equalizer as they created good chances but Salgaocar’s keeper and defence line stood firm in warding off the challenges.
Later on Duffy had a chance to complete his first hat-trick in the I-League but substitute goalkeeper Lalthuammawa Ralte came up with a superb save.
The Reds will now travel to Pune to play their next match against Pune FC on March 8. (Agencies)