Fatorda/ Imphal: Sporting Clube de Goa handed Chirag United Kerala their fifth straight loss in the I-League after scripting a comfortable 2-0 win at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday.
Goals from James Moga, now the highest goal scorer in the I-League, and Victorino Fernandes were enough for Sporting Clube to get back on the winning track after a minor stutter in the last match against Pailan Arrows.
South Sudan striker Moga opened the account for Sporting Clube in the 11th minute and then Victorino added his name to the scoresheet as the match appeared done and dusted inside 30 minutes when Sporting went 2-0 ahead.
For the next one hour, Sporting took the foot of the accelerator and simply went through the motions. And even though Chirag United made a determined bid in the second session to pocket something out of the match, it was always going to be a difficult ask.
Sporting surged ahead in the 18th minute when Macroy snatched a ball from a rival player and put Victorino in the clear. The young striker made a nice run on the right flank and essayed the ball into the heart of the Chirag United Kerala defence where James Moga finished with a diving header.
Moga and Victorino combined again for Sporting’s second goal at the half hour mark. This time Moga was the provider and Victorino the goal-getter as Sporting almost ran away with the match.
Once Sporting took a 2-0 lead, the result never seemed to be in doubt. The hosts were not as forceful thereafter and played several mis-passes. But Chirag United did not have a player who could get them the goals, despite Anil Kumar, formerly with Dempo Sports Club, returning to his patent team.
Sporting continued their unbeaten run in the I-League and with 12 points in their kitty are second-best only to run-away leaders Dempo Sports Club. Chirag United Kerala has been left with only three points.
Shillong Lajong vs Pailan Arrows: In an another sixth round encounter of the I League, Shillong Lajong riding on a solitary goal of Lalram Luaha defeated Pailan Arrows 1-0, here in Imphal.
With this win Shillong Lajong reached 7th position with eight points from six matches. While Pailan Arrows is languishing at the bottom of the table with 2 points from as many matches.
