Goa end pre- season with win over Arrows

FC Goa ended their pre- season campaign with a 2- 1 victory over Indian Arrows in Margao on Tuesday.

An 88th minute strike from Princeton Rebello helped the home side clinch the moraleboosting victory.

Miguel Palanca’s strike from the penalty spot had given Goa the lead before an opportunistic header from Sanjeev Stalin in the 82nd minute had silenced the crowd at the Bambolim Stadium.

Goa would, however, have the last laugh. The home side started the game on the front foot earning their first three corners within the first 10 minutes of the game. The Gaurs, came closing to opening their account in the 11th minute when Brandon’s low whipped cross just eluded Palanca in the box.

Indian Arrows showed real resilience at the back to stave off the initial period of pressure.

Boris Singh forced Laxmikant Kattimani pull off a fine save in the 29 minute. The two teams were locked goalless at half time.

FC Goa turned up a gear in the second half. Jackichand Singh’s introduction in the team helped the home team add an attacking impetus. Singh was brought down by Anwar Ali inside the box. Palanca stepped up to give Goa the lead at the 60- minute mark. The match toned down a bit following a host of changes by the home team and Goa were caught flat- footed when Sanjeev Stalin rose highest to equalise for the Arrows. Rebello, however, had different ideas as he made a superb run to get at the end of a cross from the left to plant home the winner in the dying moments of the game.