TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Hosts Navelim Villagers Union registered a narrow 3-2 win over United Club of Benaulim to enter the semi-finals of all-Goa Eslinda Alemao memorial inter-village football tournament, organized by Navelim Villagers Union, at Sinquetim ground, Navelim, Wednesday.
Both the teams were tied 1-1 at lemon break.
In an exciting opening session battle, the teams displayed attacking brand of soccer and kept the crowd on their toes. Playing in front of home crowd, Navelim Villagers took the lead in the very 6th minute when striker Allister Gomes beat his markers and unleashed a snap shot to crash into the net.
However, their joy was short-lived when Meldon D’Silva converted the spot kick in the 15th minute to put his team on equal terms after rival defender brought down Benaulim striker inside the penalty box.
Stunned by the equalizer, the teams took an aggressive approach but the defenders stood tall in protecting their citadel.
Post resumption, the battle became livelier with the teams showing urgency and raiding reach other’s citadel. Former Sporting Clube de Goa midfielder Wilton Gomes well-executed free kick just outside the rival penalty box eluded both Benaulim goalkeeper and human wall to make it 2-1 in favour of Navelim Villagers soon after the resumption.
Spurred by the lead, Navelim Villagers intensified their attacks and pushed the rival on the back foot. Evelon Gomes put the issue beyond doubt when he slotted the rebound.
Down by 1-3, United Club of Benaulim went all out and reduced the deficit late in the second session when Steven Baptista punished the rival goalkeeper with neat finish.
