TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Holders Loyola High School, Margao came from behind to defeat Curtorim Gymkhana 3-2 to advance into the second round of All-Goa Alvernaz and Lalush Alemao memorial U-14 football tournament organized by Salcete Football Club at church ground, Chinchinim, Thursday. There was no score at the lemon break.
The teams started on a sedate note taking time to adjust to the soggy conditions which forced their defenders to work overtime.
Crossing over, Curtorim Gymkhana who were confident broke the deadlock when Rohit Pal slotted past the rival goalkeeper.
Stung by the setback, Loyola regrouped quickly and instantly took the fight to the rival camp and their efforts bore fruit when Arron Baretto punished the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish to put his team on equal terms.
Stunned by the equalizer, Curtorim Gymkhana piled on pressure and Allister Costa beat the rival goalkeeper with a neat finish to give Curtorim Gymkhana a 2-1cushion.
Desperate Loyola intensified the attacks and restored parity midway in the second half when Sanword Pereira punted the ball to the far corner of the net.
The last ten minutes produced absorbing moves as both went all out in search of the match-winner and Loyola were lucky when Sidroy Baptista unleashed a neat grounder which caught the Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper by surprise.
Curtorim Gymkhana tried their level best to net the equaliser but they could not get past the rival’s strong defence.
Earlier, Joe Dias, president of Salcete Football Club kicked off the tournament.
