By Sporting Clube de Goa Media

GOA: A brace from Marcus Mascarenhas and one goal from James Fernandes scripted a perfect ending to Sporting’s Goa Pro League journey as they beat Vasco SC 3 – 0 in their last match while adding the first silverware of this season to their chest.  Sporting came into this match with a relatively young side who grabbed the opportunity with both hands putting up an extraordinary performance. With this win Sporting have pocketed 39 points and run away with the Goa Pro League title by a mile.

The Flaming Oranje were high on confidence right from the kick off, they played as a compact unit and restricted Vasco SC to operate deep in their own half. After numerous attempts on the goal Sporting finally broke the dead lock in the 33^rd minute through Marcus Mascarenhas who smartly tricked the keeper into misjudging a high ball. Marcus craftily managed to get his feet at the right spot to get the ball behind the nets. Rest of the first half saw Sporting maintain most of the possession not allowing Vasco SC to make any impact.

The Second half saw Sporting make some more changes in the likes of James Fernandes, Nikhil Naik and Abhishek Rawat. James Fernandes combined well with Marcus in the front making some dangerous runs on the left flank. The second goal came in at the 55^th minute once again through Marcus who made a dazzling run through the middle to take a powerful right footed shot beating the keeper by a yard. Soon in the 60^th minute James and Marcus once again combined well with the former sneaking into the Vasco box from the left unnoticed to receive a fantastic cross which he placed into the nets beating the keeper with a curling right footer; however the assistant referee signalled it off side.  2 minutes later James repeated the same move from the right side this time nailing it with perfection making it 3 – 0 in favour of Sporting.  After the third goal Vasco SC tried getting back in the game and came close to scoring in a couple of occasions, but Joyner and Harpreet of Sporting had different plans. They marshalled the back line well and came up with some crucial tackles preventing Vasco to even take home a consolation goal.

The Head Coach Mateus Costa said “We are really pleased to win the league on a high. The boys put up a fantastic show, most of my first 11 players were rested but we won the match convincingly. This shows the depth and quality in our squad, we love this competition. After the initial set back many had counted us out but here is our answer to them.” said the gaffer smilingly.

The Asst. Coach Clifford Chukwuma said “This is a good win and a good way to end the competition; I thank all the players, technical and support staff and most importantly God for all the support throughout the tournament.”