Bruno gives Salgaocar victory

A 68th minute goal by striker Bruno Coutinho helped Salgaocar down Vasco Sports Club 1-0 and earn full points from their National Football League match at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Wednesday.

Salgaocar put a better up performance than in their last match against Zee Churchill and dominated a major part of the proceedings. After missing some close chances, they scored the all-important goal in the 68th minute.

A swift move from the right saw defender Augustine Rodrigues relaying the ball to Denis Cabral. The hardworking Cabral, who had a good match, quickly moved the ball to Bruno Coutinho. On reaching the penalty box Coutinho intelligently placed the ball past Vasco goalkeeper Rogerio Ramos.

Salgaocar, who dictated the midfield and had more of the exchanges, could have won by a bigger margin but inept shooting by their strikers, especially Tejani Ahmed, restricted them.

Vasco keeper Rogerio Ramos also came to his side's rescue twice when he denied Bruno and Cabral from scoring.

Vasco failed to function as a team with their midfield becoming non-functional. They made desparate attempts in the last ten minutes to find the equaliser but were denied by the rival defenders.

The win put Salgacoar above Vasco in fifth place with 26 points from 18 matches while Vasco went down to sixth place with 23 points from 17 matches.