Romeo Fernandes exults after scoring the 100th goal of the Hero ISL.Romeo Fernandes scored the 100th goal of the Hero Indian Super League to send his team on their way to a 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday night. Goals from Miroslav Slepička and André 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 gave 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 in the midfield. However, Goa got back in numbers to stifle the visitors’ attacks. They also continued to create the better scoring chances, with star 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. Slepička 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 the ISL’s 100th goal.Goa players celebrate winning their final home game.Goa soon doubled their lead with a classic counter-attacking goal. Keeper Jan Šeda’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 Slepička to slot home his fourth goal in three games, giving Goa a 2-0 half-time lead.The visitors pushed themselves back in the game in the second half with Goa content to play on the counter. Koke nearly pulled one back, forcing Šeda into a good save with a fiercely-struck shot. Goa could not be kept quiet for long, however, and they added another in the 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 took them up to second place in the table. Zico’s men play league leaders Chennaiyin FC away on December 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 on December 4. Match awardsHero of the Match: Romeo Fernandes (FC Goa) (watch here)Swift Moment of the Match: Mandar Rao Desai (FC Goa)Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Durga Boro (NorthEast United FC)ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Mandar Rao Desai
