Team Herald
MAPUSA: United Club of Nerul struggled before securing a 5-3 win via tie-breaker against Merces Sporting Club to claim the Shanti Morada Soccer title, organised by Adarsh YS Saligao, played at Saligao ground, on Sunday.
Both the sides put up a splendid display, keeping the large gathering entertained throughout the duel.
Towards the fag end of the first half Merces almost took the lead however Jayendra Kunkolikar’s powerful shot travelled just past the Nerul goal.
On resumption, Merces came attacking where Vinay Fatephekar’s weaved his way past the Nerul defenders and unleashed a blistering right footer which sailed over the woodwork.
At the other end Nerul defender Shawyn Fernandes did remarkably well to keep Sanket Jotkar’s strike at bay.
As none of the teams could break the deadlocked after 70minutes of duel, the tie-breaker was enforced where Stanley D’Silva, Nehal Naik, Yeshwant Morje, Russel Fernandes, and Mathew Gonsalves scored for Nerul, while Pritesh Sawant, Vinay Fatephekar and Minesh Kunkolikar shot on target for Merces
UC Nerul returned home richer collecting the winners cash prize of Rs 40,000 while Merces Sporting Club had to be content with the runners-up cash prize of Rs 30,000.
Minister for Housing Jayesh Salgaokar was the chief guest for the final and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Nirbhik Goel, Rajat Verma, Sangolda Sarpanch Uday Kandolkar and other dignitaries.
