Triple strike by Milagres Fernandes helps Curtorim thump hosts Areal
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: A triple strike by striker Milagres Fernandes helped Curtorim Gymkhana to thump Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club 5-1 and emerge champions of 19th Sao Jose de Areal Villagers Cup inter-village football tournament organized by Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club at Padribhat ground, Sao Jose de Areal, Sunday.
Curtorim led 2-1 at the breather.
Curtorim played with purpose and took the lead in the 16th minute when striker Milagres picked up the ball from Bruno Fernandes and beat Areal goalkeeper Luis Dias.
Spurred by the early lead, Curtorim kept probing the rival defence and in the 20th minute Milagres doubled the lead thanks a lapse by Luis Dias.
Stunned by the double blows, Areal tried their best to reduce the deficit and put Curtorim under tremendous pressure. Mario Barreto reduced the deficit five minutes before the breather off a pass from Agio Antao.
However, things did not change for Areal in the second half as their opponents continued harassing their rival fragile defence. Joaquim Carvalho headed home off a well executed cross from Milagres to inflate their tally in the 36th minute.
Four minutes later, Milagres scored for the third time when he punished the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot. Areal’s goalkeeper Luis Dias was bundle of nerves. He was shaky right from the word go and conceded silly goals. Bruno Fernandes drove the last nail into rival coffin when he nodded home off cross from Joaquim Carvalho late in the second half.
Curtorim were richer by Rs 30,000 while Areal had to settle for Rs 20,000.
Other prizes — First scorer of the final: Milagres Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana). Best midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana). Best goalkeeper: Cedric Peixoto (Curtorim Gymkhana). Best defender: Alleulia Fernandes (Areal). Best disciplined team: Navelim Villagers Union. Man-of-the-final: Milagres Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana).
Fr Richard Pinheiro, parish priest of Sao Jose de Areal church was the chief guest. He gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour Alberto Colaco, general secretary of SAFF and Salcete Football Club, special guests Lector Mascarenhas, ex-international footballer and Fr George Ratos, assistant parish priest, Sao Jose de Areal church. Julio Monteiro, Sarpanch of Sao Jose de Areal and Fr Manuel Antao were among those present.
Earlier, Valente Fernandes, general secretary of Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club welcomed. Alberto Theresa proposed the vote of thanks. Savio Theresa compered.
In all, 16 teams participated.
