MARGAO: Hosts Navelim Villagers Union got the better of Wilred Leisure Sports Club, Curtorim 2-1 in the final of the 2nd Bernardo Furtado memorial trophy, at Rosary ground, Navelim, on Wednesday.
With the support of home crowd, Navelim Villagers Union dominated the match and started attackingly.
In the ninth minute, Aldrich Coelho’s left-footer missed the nylons of Wilred Leisure SC after being assisted by Avlon Gomes.
Soon, Navelim Villagers Union had another go but Ratesh shot wide in 18th minute after a solo effort.
At the other end, Wilred Leisure SC showed urgency to score but Delson Fernandes’ move was foiled by a rival defender.
Post resumption, Navelim Villagers Union came up with renewed ideas upfront and broke the deadlock in the 40th minute as Aldrich Coelho headed in a cross sent by Avlon Gomes.
Boosted by the opener, the host doubled their lead in the 45th minute as Aldrich connected a half volley of an assist by Jerson.
However, Wilred Leisure SC pulled a goal back through Delson Fernandes’ snap shot of a supply by Seby in the 55th minute.
The winners were awarded Rs 40,000 and a trophy while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 30,000 and a trophy.
The individual prizes were awarded to First scorer of the final: Aldrich Coelho of Navelim Villagers Union. Best goalkeeper of the final: Dolwin Costa of Navelim Villagers Union.
Best defender of the final: Seby of Wilred Leisure SC. Best midfielder: Jerson of Navelim Villagers Union. Best forward of the final: Marcus of Wilred Leisure SC. Promising player of the tournament: Marcus of Wilred Leisure SC and Ratesh of Navelim Villagers Union.
Man of the final: Clinton Niasso of Navelim Villagers Union. Best disciplined team: Uguem Rising Club.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was the chief guest and gave away the prizes to the winners and runners-up in the presence of parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary church, Navelim, Fr Jose Roque Gonsalves; Fisheries Minster, Avertano Furtado, MLA of Velim Constituency, Benjamin Silva, other dignitaries and club officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Parsekar said that, “During the next ISL the Goan team should have more Goan football players than the foreign players. The game of football is in every Goans blood.” He also spoke about role of GFDC in promoting football.
Chairman of the club, Bishut Themudo welcomed. Constancio Rodrigues and Romeo Gomes introduced the players to the guests. Joseph Rebello compered. Alusio Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
