PANAJI: A fine hat-trick from Beneston Barreto inspired Guardian Angel Sports Club to a stunning 3-1 win against Salgaocar FC in Goa Football Association’s Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Monday.
Salgaocar FC did not look like they were their usual best on the field while Guardian Angel SC created a few chances in the first 45 minutes.
Guardian Angel took the lead in the 1st minute. On seeing Salgaocar FC backline exposed, Joel Barretto sent a defence-splitting pass to Beneston Barreto, who smashed in a low grounder past the helpless goalkeeper.
In the 12th minute, Salgaoacr FC’s Prathamesh Satardekar tried his luck from a distance which was brilliantly blocked by Pratheesh Vadakke. Pratheesh was at his best once again to stop Meuren Cruz, but he could not stop Salgaocar FC from scoring in the 16th minute when Steflon D’Costa headed in a Selwyn Miranda corner-kick.
Guardian Angel SC nearly took the lead once again when Mevan Dias sent a low delivery from the right which was met by Beneston Barreto, but his effort was blocked by Salgaocar keeper Jason D’Mello and the rebound was guided in by Joval Dias, who was flagged off-side by the assistant-referee.
In the 53rd minute, Guardian Angel SC regained their lead through Beneston Barreto. Jovial Dias on receiving the ball in the midfield got past Salgaocar defender and set Beneston with a brilliant through pass. Beneston’s first touch was brilliant while his finish was equally good as he kept his composure in scoring past an experienced Salgaocar keeper Jason.
At the other end, Salgaocar FC wasted a golden chance to get back in the game when Selwyn Miranda got into the box and with just the keeper at his mercy, the midfielder fired wide.
The introduction of Valentino Nazareth, who came in place of Antush Moniz gave Salgaocar more attacking opportunities through the wings. The substitute sent in regular deliveries in the area, but the Guardian Angel defence and the keeper managed to thwart the danger.
Guardian Angel scored the third goal in the 80th minute when Mevan on getting the ball in his own territory, made a fine run before setting a great ball upfront to Beneston, who covered some distance before shooting upon entering the box. Jason blocked it from the first attempt, but the rebound fell to Beneston, who smashed the ball into the empty net to complete his hat-trick.
