Mickry shines in Salgaocar's shock 1-0 win against East Bengal

Margao, Apr 30 (UNI) Medio Mickey Fernandes' second half goal propelled Salgaocar Sports club to script a shock 1-0 win against Kolkata giants East Bengal and kept their hopes alive from relegation in the crucial tie of the ONGC Cup National Football league championship match played at Nehru Stadium Fatorda here today.

The all important goal for the home team came in the 81st minute through Mickey Fernandes off an indirect free kick awarded by refree N Mohan when Fabio Possos was brought down by East Bengal defender Suresh.

Mickey was later adjudged the man of the match.

Today's win was Salgaocar's second, taking their tally to 11 points from 13 outings, while East Bengal remained on the same 28 points from 15 outings below table toppers Mahindra who have 29 points from 13 matches.

Salgaocar played a spirited game with emphasis on Attack, especially in the first half. They dominated the match and could have been up by at least two goals at the breather but failed to convert the opportunities.

It was a tale of missed chances for both the teams though Salgaocar had the upper hand and a better share of exchanges.

The Goan team could have surged ahead as early as in the 11th minute had not East Bengal goalkeeper Nassem Akhtar brought off a fine save off a shot taken by Samson Singh from close range off a pass from Rachus Lamare.

The home team had another chance to move ahead in the 17th minute when Fabio Possos from the right flank laid a pass to Samson Singh who failed to control the ball and in haste shot over the cross bar.

East Bengal came with a good move in the 28th minute and were almost in the lead but Alvito D'Cunha's power-packed long-ranger free kick hit the cross bar and deflected into play.

After the breather, Salgaocar continued attacking and in the 51st minute, Fabio Possos from the left flank sent a cross pass to Samson who again missed a sitter.

In the 81st minute, referee N Mohan awarded Salgaocar an indirect free kick when Fabio Possos was brought down by East Bengal defender M Suresh. Medio Mickey Fernandes made no mistake and converted the indirect free kick into the goal 1-0.

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