BENAULIM: Parish Youth Nuvem registered a hard fought 2-1 victory over Rossman Cruz, Nagoa-Verna to enter the final of the 33rd Strikers Trophy football tournament organised by Young Strikers Benaulim, at St John Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Tuesday.
Nuvem started off well but Nagoa had the first look on goal in the 18th minute when winger Beniston Barreto’s right footer was well collected by Nuvem goalkeeper Bruno D’Melo.
At the other end, Schubert Colaco wasted a fine chance for Nuvem. The second session was a thriller as Nuvem surged ahead within five minutes of resumption when striker Joe Rose Oliveira was on hand to tap in a Schubert Colaco cross from the right in a goalmouth scramble.
The sudden goal did not distract the Nagoa team as they attacked in search of the equaliser and were on level terms in the 58th minute when wing back Cristo De Mello got himself in a nice position to send in a powerful header past the Nuvem goalkeeper Bruno Colaco following a deep cross from the left by Noel Silva.
After conceding the equaliser, Nuvem forced their rivals on the defensive and on the constant attacks the Verna defenders panicked in the 61st minute Nagoa skipper Mylon Fernandes was shown the red card by referee David Rebello for stopping the ball on the line with his hand.
Experienced midfielder Inacio Colaco who was given the responsibility to take the penalty shot wide to the horror of the large Nuvem crowd.
Nuvem made the advantage count of a lesser player and could have regained the lead when Schubert Colaco sent in an inch perfect cross to unmarked Inacio Colaco inside the box but the former Sesa medio headed wide.
Nuvem continued their attacks and finally managed to get the winning goal six minutes before the final whistle when Stephen Colaco’s flag kick was bundled inside the nylons by medio Cedar Colaco.
