GFA Selection rode on a fine hat-trick from their captain Velanie Fernandes to score an impressive 3-0 victory over St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa in the 1st GFA Inter College Women’s League.

GFA Selection started off well and controlled the tempo for the entire duration of the match. St. Xavier’s College stood firm in defence led by their rock solid defender Bethany Remedios who almost single handily denied GFA Selection to make serious attempts at goal in the entire first half of play.

An unfortunate handball inside the box during a corner kick gave the break for GFA Selection and Velanie Fernandes made no mistake from the spot-kick to give GFA Selection a 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.

Coming out of the half-time break, GFA Selection pressed harder and created numerous goal scoring opportunities. Cianna Lobo on the left flank and Anline Fernandes on the right flank started pushing the ball forward and were determined to increase the goal margin.

The hard work and persistence of GFA Selection paid off and Velanie Fernandes scored a very fine goal with a long range effort giving the goalkeeper no chance.

For St.Xavier’s college, Desiree Pereira and Steffi Fernandes started the push the ball forward but GFA Selection defenders, Scindia Saundatikar and Cynthia Lobo stood their ground and did not give St. Xavier’s any room to score.

Against the run of play, Scindia Saundatikar received the ball in her own half, dribbled past four opposition players and gave a fine through pass to Velanie who made no mistake and put the ball in the back of the net to score a hat-trick and give GFA Selection a 3-0 victory over St. Xavier’s College.

The “Quadros Motors Player of the Match” award went to Velanie Fernandes of GFA Selection.

The league will continue on Friday as Govt. College Quepem take on Chowgule College Margao at the DSYA Ground, Quepem. The kick-off will be at at 8.30 IST.