Goa beat NorthEast United 3-0, rank second in ISL

Fatorda (Goa), Dec 1 (IANS) Romeo Fernandes scored the 100th goal of the Indian Super League (ISL) to send FC Goa on their way to a 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Monday.

Goals from Miroslav Slepicka and Andre Santos rounded off the tally as the hosts took a big step towards qualifying for the semi-finals.

Goa got off to a lively start with Zohib Amiri nearly giving them an early lead, heading Fernandes' cross just over the bar.

NorthEast, sticking with the 3-5-2 formation which worked well in their previous game against Chennaiyin FC, gradually began to get a foothold with slick passing.

However, Goa stifled the visitors' attacks. They also continued to create better scoring chances with Brazilian Santos flicking a close-range header over with visiting keeper Rehenesh beaten.

The visitors were further hampered by an injury to key midfielder Kondwani Mtonga and Goa took advantage instantly.

Slepicka played a perfect through pass into the path of Fernandes and the local boy made no mistake, with a precise finish off the far post in the 33rd minute for ISL's 100th goal.

Goa soon doubled their lead with a classic counter-attacking goal. Keeper Jan Seda's superb long throw found Fernandes, who ran down the left and stretched the NorthEast defence.

Although his cut-back was cleared, it ultimately fell to Bikramjit Singh who set up Slepicka to slot home his fourth goal in three games, giving Goa a 2-0 half-time lead.

The visitors pushed themselves back in the second half with Goa content to play on the counter. Koke nearly pulled one back, forcing Seda into a good save with a fiercely-struck shot.

Goa could not be kept quiet for long and added another (74th minute). Narayan Das ran down the left and found Santos in the box. The Brazilian teased the NorthEast defence, holding the ball before creating just enough space to squeeze a shot past Rehenesh.

Goa's second straight 3-0 win takes them to second place in the standings. Zico's men play league leaders Chennaiyin FC away Dec 5 knowing that a win will put them on the brink of qualifying for the semis.

Meanwhile, NorthEast's qualification hopes took a severe blow and Ricki Herbert will look to get his side back on track in their away fixture against Kerala Blasters Dec 4.