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Salgaocar Sports Club coasted to an expectedly comfortable 4-0 victory over bottom-placed HAL in a 15th round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.
Salgaocar have now accumulated 16 points from their last six matches to take their points tally to 25 while HAL, with just three points in their kitty, will find it increasingly difficult to save themselves from relegation.
Francis Fernandes, Ryuji Sueoka, Gilbert Oliveira and Randeep Singh got the goals for the defending champions, who led 1-0 at the breather.
Salgaocar seemed eager to open their account with a flurry of attacks at the start. The defending champions surged ahead in the 12th minute when HAL goalkeeper P Pramod allowed Francis Fernandes all the time in the world to head home Tomba Singh’s measured cross.
Salgaocar’s second goal was another defensive lapse, this time Nicolau Colaco’s cross was headed into the nets by Ryuji Sueoka.
The third goal from the hosts was a gem in the 71st minute. An overhead ball from Rocus Lamare was controlled by Gilbert Oliveira. The midfielder then drew out the goalkeeper and finished off with a nice placement.
Randeep Singh then scored with his first touch as the midfielders powerful shot from just inside the box – after being fed on the platter by Gilbert – rocked the crossbar and sailed into the nets.
HAL failed to make their presence felt and it was made worse when defender Liliyan Ketteth was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 78th minute.
The Bangalore side did not have even a single attempt on goal.
Man of the match was awarded to Francis Fernandes.
