Areal move into semis
alvernaz-lalush memorial soccer
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, APRIL 29
A superb first half strike by striker Shelton Dias enabled Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club to registered a narrow 1-0 win over Curtorim Gymkhana and enter the semi-final of All-Goa Alvernaz and Lalush Alemao memorial inter-village football tournament, organised by Churchill Brothers, at Varca ground, on Thursday.
Sao Jose de Areal stuck to an attacking approach from the outset and nearly surge ahead but Mario Rebello’s rasping shot miss the mark narrowly.
The first half did not seem much of Curtorim Gymkhana with the ball as Areal defenders made sure that Curtorim Gymkhana forward Roy Colaco kept him at bay.
The all-important goal came in the 23rd of the opening session when Shelton Dias’s snap shot found the roof of the net after he picked up through pass from Mario Rebello.
Stung by the early setback, Curtorim Gymkhana tried their best but failed to get pas the Areal defence.
The second half saw Curtorim Gymkhana a transformed side and created many umpteen forays into the rival territory but striker Roy Colaco was the worst offenders as he muffed two easy sitters in a one-to-one situations.
Areal had also moments of glory when striker Fredrick Endro unleashed a right footer, which miss the target narrowly and later Mario Rebello went wide from handshaking distance.
With time running out, Curtorim Gymkhana tried their best to neutralised the lead but without success as the stubborn rival defence was solid and frustrate the Curtorim attackers.
Shelton Dias of Areal, who played a stellar role, was later adjudged man-of-the-match.
