By I-League Media

GOA: Gilbert Oliviera’s stunning effort from the top of the box in the first half saw Salgaocar FC overtaking their fellow opponents Lajong to clinch the sixth spot with twelve points in the Hero I-League table.

Santosh Kashyap started his second game without the Scottish striker Daryl Duffy who is second on the scorer’s list with nine goals at the moment. He had to deploy his strategies even without Reagan Singh, Martin Scott and Thangjam Singh, meanwhile, Gurjinder Singh, Clifton Dias and Gilbert Oliveira made comeback in the starting eleven after a significant period.

Lajong gaffer Thangboi Singto also opted for a couple of alterations with N. Tamang and Zodingliana Ralte replacing Rupert Nongrum and Boithang Haokip in the starting eleven.

Calvin Mbarga got the first opportunity to break the deadlock in the 18th minute but he headed it wide from close range. Alesh Sawant then saw his effort sail wide of the net, leaving the 4000-odd crowd frustrated.

In the 31st minute, the Greens took the lead from a cannon-shot by the medio Gilbert Oliviera. Sana Singh headed away Brian Mascarenhas’ corner-kick but Gilbert received it on the top of the box and smacked the back of the net to send the dugout into a delirium.

Two minutes later, they almost doubled the lead but Jackichand failed to find the net from the scintillating pass by the Australian attacker Calvin Mbarga.

Immediately after the breather, Brian Mascarenhas went for the glory but saw his effort go wayward, giving much relief to the Reds.

Boithang Haokip, who was introduced by Singto after the lemon break, had a go from a free-kick in the 72nd minute but his attempt sailed well wide of the target.

Lajong played much better in the second half but failed to find the elusive equaliser and the game ended 1-0 in favour of the home team.

Having secured their first clean sheet of the season, Salgaocar FC now move up to the sixth spot with twelve points leapfrogging Lajong who are one point shy having played one match less.