RAIA: Dark horses Dunes SC Mandrem pipped Cuncolim Union 1-0 to storm into the finals of Jaju Memorial trophy football tournament at St John de Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, Tuesday.
In an exciting encounter which kept the large crowd on its toes the Mandrem outfit got the all-important match winner through striker Arun Naik.
Dunes produced exciting football with their short quick passes but were unable to find the breakthrough despite the dominance, largely due to the resilience of the Cuncolim defense.
Cuncolim goalkeeper Hrishekesh Gaonkar was stretched full length to push out a low right footer from striker Pratik Kannaik to keep the score blank at the lemon break.
In the second session Mandrem strikers Arun Naik and Anthony Lobo sent long rangers which, however, went inches over the crosspiece to the utter frustration of the crowd which was supporting the North Goa side.
Cuncolim also had their moments but striker Denvil Fernandes shot wide from inside the box.
Dunes were constantly on the prowl and finally they went ahead in the 63rd minute when their mercurial playmaker Vinay Harji threaded a fine ball on the left wing for Arun who sped past rival defender Astrofio Pinto before getting himself in a position to flick the ball with his right foot over the reach of Cuncolim goalie Hrishikesh into the far corner of the net to the joy of his players.
With time running out, Cuncolim had a fantastic opportunity for the equaliser when the hardworking midfielder Allister Fernandes created an opening for Tushar Gaonkar but the winger shot straight into the hands of Dunes goalkeeper Pratik Sawant.
Cuncolim went all out but Mandrem stoppers Jagganath Somji and skipper Vivek Kannulkar stood rock solid to protect the lead and take Mandrem through to the finals on their first appearance in Benaulim.
