VIRABHAT-CURTORIM: Bhatti registered a thrilling 3-2 win over Piedadigal to move into the quarter-finals of the 5th Jose and Franky Memorial inter-ward football tournament, organised by Sporting Club of Virabhat (Curtorim) at St Alex Church ground, Curtorim, on Thursday.
Bhatti started the match on an attacking note and pressed from the word go. They had the chance early in the game when James tried his luck from the box, but his goal-bound shot hit Pedadigal defender Franky’s arm compelling the referee to point towards the penalty spot. James himself stepped over and coolly converted the spot kick to put his side ahead in the game in the 8th minute.
Once, up by a goal, Bhatti looked more composed than their opponents who struggled to maintain possession in the opening minutes and soon they were down by two goals. In the 14th minute Macnell Dias was the goal scorer for Bhatti to make it 2-0.
However, Piedadigal came back strongly and attacked in numbers and almost pulled a goal back in the 18th minute but Aliston Fernandes’ shot was saved by the Bhatti keeper Rocky Fernandes.
At the other end, Bhatti scored their third in the 25th minute to take the game beyond their opponent’s reach when Mavon Dias slammed the ball past the rival custodian, 3-0. Crossing over, Piedadigal put up a better display and soon pulled a goal back through Aliston Fernandes. The goal breathed new life in the Piedadigal squad as they soon scored another goal through Minguel to make it 2-3. However, the team was denied of an equaliser as Bhatti defended strongly till the final whistle.
Piedadigal’s Aliston Fernandes received emerging player of the match award.
