TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: United Club of Nerul came back from a first half deficit to overpower St Anthony’s Sports Club, Colva 5-3 via tie-breaker to book the finals berth in 8th London Trophy organised by Goa Velha Sports Club, at Goa Velha ground, on Monday.
At the end of regulation time the score was 1-1.
St Anthony had an early chance to open an account when Joyston made a move from the right wing, charging towards the goal but was challenged by an onrushing Sidesh Morje. The former’s shot just missed the post. At the other end, Manuel Crasto from the top of St Anthony box blasted over the cross bar.
This time St Anthony managed to net in when Jovisco cut in from the right and shot goal wards where Sidesh could only parry the ball. But the rebound was blasted by Jovisco past a diving Morje.
At half time St. Anthony were leading 1-0.
After the break, United Club of Nerul regrouped with renewed ideas.
Their first move came when Joelif’s long pass found Russel in the St Anthony’s box but before he could do any harm he was disposed by a sliding Romario.
Sidhanth then sent a teasing ball across the face of St Anthony’s goal but Russel failed to react and the chance went abegging.
Bapu Pednekar scored the equaliser for UC Nerul, of a solo effort as he cut past several St Anthony’s defenders and unleashed a low drive into the goal.
Later Russel and Jovisco wasted good opportunities to give their teams much deserved victory.
In the tie-breaker, for United Club of Nerul, Manuel, Bapu, Russel and Joelif scored while for St Anthony’s only Nelson and Romario could net in.
In the finals on Tuesday, UC Nerul will face St Savio Sports Club, Calangute.
