Romeo Fernandes celebrates his goal with André Santos.Romeo Fernandes became the toast of Goa and probably of the entire newly minted footballing nation when he scored the 100th goal of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Monday night. It was the opening goal of the 12th round ISL match scored in the 33rd minute as FC Goa went on to thrash NorthEast United FC 3-0 and move closer to a top four finish.The diminutive 22-year-old Goan winger is a product of the Dempo Sports Club youth system, having represented their under-18, under-19 and under-20 teams before breaking into the senior team in 2011. He can sparkle on both flanks as he proved today by running in from the right flank to open his account and then blistering down the left to send in the cross from which Czech striker Miroslav Slepička doubled the tally.The reticent forward modestly said he felt “good” after his historic feat and had a word of praise for his head coach Zico, who has effected a stupendous turnaround in the fortunes of the Goan franchise club, taking them from last to second in the Hero Indian Super League table following this result. “He helps us a lot, in training, before the match and on the field,” the India under-23 player told indiansuperleague.com after the match.Expressing his appreciation for the houseful crowd at the stadium, which backed the team to the hilt with its vociferous support, Fernandes said, “It was amazing; I’ve never seen such a crowd before.” Echoing the sentiments of his mentor Zico who said it is not only imperative to win at home but away as well, Fernandes said the team would strive to put its best foot forward in their next two away games in Chennai and Kolkata. “They are both away games and we have to fight like we play at home,” he declared.Romeo Fernandes scores ISL's 100th goal to give Goa the lead
