26 Jun 2017 | 05:54am IST
Navelim Sporting thump Goa Velha SC
BENAULIM: Navelim Sporting rallied from behind to down a spirited Goa Velha SC 5-2 to enter the semi-finals of the 9th Cana Benaulim Panchayat Cup organised by Young Strikers Club Benaulim and played at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Sunday.
BENAULIM: Navelim Sporting rallied from behind to down a spirited Goa Velha SC 5-2 to enter the semi-finals of the 9th Cana Benaulim Panchayat Cup organised by Young Strikers Club Benaulim and played at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Sunday.
Nine-man Goa Velha stunned the Navelim supporters with two goals inside the first quarter. Goa Velha opened the account in the eight minute when Chandan Gawas avoided a tackle of Navelim defender Fr Emerico Rodrigues to pass the ball to Chatur Naik on the left flank. The speedy striker swiftly sent a low cross to striker Franky Cabral who placed the ball brilliantly into the nets.
Goa Velha soon doubled the lead after medio Arun Naik's free kick found the back of the net. The Navelim players regrouped and reduced the margin in the 23rd minute.
Soon afterwards, Medio Ashok Siolkar’s rasping drive was saved by the Goa Velha keeper Agnelo Silva but as the ball came on a rebound Navelim winger Rowen Pereira was at the right spot to slam the loose ball into the empty nylons.
After the change of ends striker Evlon Gomes restored parity for Navelim following a defence splitting pass by Presley Gomes in the 46th minute. Navelim took full control of the proceedings and Presley Gomes struck a quick brace in as many minutes to take the match away from the rivals.
A minute before the final whistle striker Avalon Gomes completed the rout with a close range shot.
