In the 2nd round fixture of the IFA Shield’s group stage played between Salgaocar FC Juniors & United Sports Club, at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal; the Greens emerged victorious. A solo goal from Sandip Bhattacharjee was no match for Liston Colaco’s dramatic brace as the Salgaocar lads grabbed their 1st win.
The first half had not much to offer to the spectators. Most of the play was restricted to the midfield. However making the most of it for the Greens was Liston. The striker in form who has become notorious among other teams for his free-kick abilities was handed 2 free-kicks. Both although taken quite well went soaring just above the post.
The 3rd time Liston made no mistake when a free-kick given just outside the United SC box was sent into the back of the net in the 44th minute. The Greens were leading 1-0 at the stroke of half-time.
The second half kicked off with both the teams in high spirits. The United SC players trying desperately to get an equaliser were on the constant attack. This would be to no avail as Senson Pereira & Daniel Gomes stood strong in the Salgaocar defence. The Greens custodian Jeet Gupta too was tested on a few occasions.
In the dying minutes of the game Sandip turned up the drama as he made most of a clever through ball as he ran past the defensive line & outsmarted the Greens custodian with a well-placed ball. In the very next minute, Liston made a solo run on the counter to grab his 2nd for the day & become the saviour for the travelling side. The game came to an end as Salgaocar’s just edged past United SC with a 2-1 scoreline.
