Goan FC set to get two walkovers in title race

Panaji:

Vasco Sports Club

and Guardian Angel FC have decided not to turn up for their final

Goa Pro League

clashes, incidentally against title contenders

Goan FC

.

While Vasco are scheduled to play Goan FC at the

Duler Football Stadium

in Mapusa on Thursday, Guardian Angel have an encounter lined up on Sunday. The teams have stopped training and do not have the players to represent them at the fag end of the season.

“We wished to finish the season as planned but it was difficult as the contracts of players ran out. Most of our outstation players have gone back home while other locals have secured a move to First Division League teams,” said Vasco head coach Micky Fernandes.

Guardian Angel coach Riston Rodrigues confirmed that they stopped training more than a fortnight ago.

“We trained last about 20 days ago. The break was too long for us to continue and our club has already communicated our decision of giving a walkover to the

GFA

,” said Riston.

The two walkovers will boost Goan FC’s chances of landing the title. They are currently placed fourth, having played 16 games after some of their matches were postponed due to engagements in the Second Division I-League. Clifford Miranda’s side are eight points behind leaders Dempo Sports Club (19 matches) and play them on the final match day on May 13.

Goa’s participation in the final round of the National Championship for the Santosh Trophy meant the league had to be prolonged. The last match was played on March 29 as Corps of Signals accounted for Churchill Brothers FC 2-1.

Vasco played their last game on March 19, and although they suffered a 1-4 defeat against Salgaocar FC, the state’s oldest club continued training. But with players on a six-month contract, everyone packed their bags on March 31, even before the league could conclude.

With Bardez FC already relegated, Vasco are safely placed sixth position in the 12-team league. They have managed to finish the season in the first half after almost a decade with 27 points from 21 games.

“Overall, it has been a very good season for us to finish in the top-half of the table. For many years, Vasco finished close to the bottom but the team put in a lot of effort this time and the credit goes to them,” said Micky.

Guardian Angel are two places below Vasco in eighth spot with 21 points.

The league will now resume on Saturday with Salgaocar FC facing Churchill Brothers at Duler.
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