Maina lift Eslinda Alemao Trophy

Maina lift Eslinda Alemao Trophy
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, DEC 5
Mania Sports Club scripted a fluent 3-0 win over Sao Miguel de Taleigao to emerge deserving champions in 2nd All-Goa Eslinda  Alemao memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Cuncolim Union at Cuncolim ground, on Sunday. Maina led 2-0 at half time.
Maina were the better side and  exerted pressure on the rivals right from the word go. Their midfield comprising Peter Pereira and Jameson Noronha stamped their authority  and never allowed the Sao Miguel de Taleigao to have any say.
Maina went into the lead in the 11th minute when playmaker Peter Pereira unleashed a fierce shot from outside the rival penalty box which beat Sao Miguel de Taleigao goalkeeper Francis Fernandes hands down.
Taleigao created some opportunities upfront but striker Gautam Kanconkar failed to get beyond the Maina defensive wall marshaled by veteran Roque Carneiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Midway in the opening session, Maina had a charmed life when Cedric Peixoto’s rasping drive kissed the crossbar.
Maina doubled the lead in the 28th minute when striker Nickson Castana picked up the ball from Peter Pereira and unleashed a volley which dipped into the net keeping Francis Fernandes under the Taleigao bar napping.
Crossing over, Maina continued to enjoy the lion share of exchanges as they toyed with the rival’s defence with well orchestrated raids and threw the rival rearguard into disarray.
Agnelo Martins rounded off the tally with a snap shot after he received a through pass from Sertorio Monteiro .
Maina were richer by Rs 60,666 plus the trophy while Sao Miguel de Taleigao had to settle for Rs 40,444. Earlier, former footballers Uday Dessai, Ulhas Gaonkar, Adley Coutinho, Api D’Sa were felicitated at the hands of PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, Urban Development Minister, Joaquim  Alemao and Cuncolim Municipal president, Devendra Dessai.
Following prizes were awarded – Best midfielder Jameson Noronha of Maina. Best player of final Agnelo Martins of Maina. Best defender of final Cedric Peixoto of Sao Miguel de Taleigao. First scorer of final Peter Pereira of Maina. Best disciplined team Don Bosco Oratory. Best goalkeeper  Bronson Sequeira of Maina. Man-of-the final Nickson Castana of Maina.
PWD Minister Churchill Alemao was the chief guest.  Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao presided. Both gave away the prizes. Devendra Dessai, chairperson of Cuncolim Municipal Council was the special invitee. Anthony Pango, Bishuit Themudo and Benjamin D’Silva, GFA Executive Committee members were also present. Earlier Elvis Gomes, president of Cuncolim Union and GFA vice-president, in his welcome address urged Joaquim to use his good office to make available the toilet facilities and dressing room at Cuncolim ground.
Dinesh Naik, Sports Secretary of Cuncolim Union propsed the vote of thanks. Prakash Dessai, Chairman of the Organizing Committee compered the function. Goa  Police band was in attendance. In all, 16 teams participated.