PANJIM: Derrick Pereira’s early strike enable Salgaocar Veterans to register a hard fought 1-0 victory over a fighting Navelim Veterans to enter the last four of the 17th VM Salgaocar Memorial Veterans Soccer tournament played at St John the Baptist ground, Danddo,Benaulim, on Sunday.
Salgaocar made a dream start and before Navelim Players could get the feel of the ball Derrick Pereira left unmarked inside the box took a Mario Soares pass and struck a right footer into the far corner of the nylon past rival goalkeeper Simon Fernandes. Navelim than gradually came back into the match with Orlando Viegas and Frank Fernandes finding gaps in the Salgaocar rare guard but inept shooting by their strikers Salvador Miranda and Sukdev Arwade spoiled the good work. Mid way through the First session Salgaocar goalkeeper Bharat Morje had to be brave to push away an Orlando Viegas teasing cross before Sukhdev Arwade could do the damage. At the other end Prem Dias did everything to dribble past rival defender Vicky Fernandes and goalkeeper Simon Fernandes but the former Sesa Goa midfielder surprisingly shot wide.
After the resumption Navelim threatened to get the equaliser but some stout defending by Salgaocar defender Rocky Carneiro and Bento Rodrigues kept the score line as it is.
Navelim got another opportunity in the closing stages of the match when Orlando Viegas floated in a free kick which was headed across by Sukhdev Arwade but Vicky Fernandes failed to connect from close range.
Salgaocar striker Prem Dias ballooned a simple chance in the last minute of a fine pass by Pele Xavier.
