TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: United Club of Benaulim rallied from behind to hold St Sebastian Union Club to a 2-2 draw in the Salcete Zone GFA’s Third Division League at St John de Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, Saturday.
St Sebastian Union led 2-1 at half time.
Both Benaulim and St Sebastian began on brisk pace. Latter deservedly took the lead in the 13th minute when striker Ozie Fernandes picked up the ball from his own half and unleashed a stiff shot which crashed into the net.
Stung by the early reversal, Benaulim piled on the pressure and rocked the rival citadel in the 18th minute when Gibson Fernandes bulge the net from close range.
With the equalizer, St Sebastian intensified their forays and raided the rival goal with striker Ozie again scoring for the second time in the 23rd minute to complete his brace and give his team 2-1 cushion.
Crossing over, Benaulim upped the ante and created forays into the rival territory and had couple of chances but their strikers were erratic inside the rival penalty box.
Encouraged by the meaningful forays into the rival territory, Benaulim found the equalizer in the 72nd minute when Gibson slotted past the rival goalkeeper with snap shot.
With time running out, St Sebastian went all out in search of match winner but failed to get past rival strong rearguard.
In the earlier match, United Club of Benaulim thrashed Orlim Sports Club 10-1. Cannut Ferandes scored four goals including hat-trick, Clinton Fernandes and Sunny Fernandes register a brace each while Remet Fernandes and Mackswin Gracias accounted one each to decimate the rivals.
At Manora ground, Don Bosco Oratory and Raitura Sports Club were involved in a goalless draw. The teams started the game on sedate note as a result the play was confined to midfield.
After resumption, both teams showed urgency and displayed attacking soccer but match winner eluded them.
