Team Herald
RAIA: Captain Derrick Pereira scored once and turned provider on a couple of occasions as the Goa Grand Masters triumphed 3-0 against hosts Poovai Malar Masters to emerge champions at 21st International Poovai Malar 11-a-side football challenge in Chennai, recently.
There was no question about the supremacy of the Goan side as they struck within the opening seconds after Derrick fed an unmarked Carmo Dias to make it 1-0. Ten minutes later, Pereira delivered a through ball for the robust Anthony Fernandes to make his way past the hosts’ defence and slot home for a 2-0 cushion before half-time.
Goa Masters returned in the second half with fresh ideas and should have added to the score with their midfield of Agnelo Fonseca, Jose Antao, Francis Furtado doing a fine job in the possession and distribution department.
The visitors’ defence was well-served by Succoro Fernandes, Francis Peixoto, John Dias, Albert Pinheiro, whose ease and guile made things comparatively easy for Prakash Naik playing on goal.
The line-up of substitutes Vincy Antao, Hippolito Dias, Eddie Fernandes, Avelino Ferrao and Timothy Colaco played their role to perfection under the able guidance of Patrocino Fernandes and Babazinho from the coaching staff.
Finally, Derrick Pereira got his name on the score-sheet in the 18th minute to make it 3-0 and ensure that the Goa Masters travel back home to Goa with the trophy.
Last year, Goa Masters and Poovai Malar had been declared joint winners with the hosts lifting the trophy following the toss of a coin.
