Russel stars for UC Utorda beat Verna
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARGAO, SEPT 1
A fine brace by striker Russel Monteiro helped United Club of Utorda beat Verna Sports Club 3-2 in GFA Third Division league at Verna ground on Wednesday. United Club were leading 2-0 at the breather.
United Club with a couple of experienced players like Russel Monteiro and Allister Monteiro in their ranks made short work of their opponents.
Russel opened the scoreline in the 10th when he picked up a ball from his colleague and slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.
United Club piled on pressure and came close to increasing the lead but inept shooting by their forwards prevented them from inflating the lead.
Allister doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a stiff shot after he received a pass from Russel.
Verna stepped on the pedal after change of ends with their midfielders working hard to put the rival citadel under pressure. Jose Cardozo reduced the margin with a deft placement.
Stunned by the reducer, United Club went on the attacking mode and created many forays. Russel struck the second time in the 58th minute when he placed the ball to the far corner of the net. With time running out, Verna managed to pull one back through Matinez Abranches in the 76th minute.
With this win, United Club topped Group E with ten points from four matches while Verna collected nine points. Both United Club and Verna qualify for the play-off.
At St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim, St Sebastian Sports Club blanked United Club of Dando, Colva 2-0. The winners led 1-0 at half time. St Sebastian surged ahead in the 5th minute when Elvis Baretto beat rival goalkeeper Minguel Fernandes off a pass from Meldon D’Silva.
