MARGAO: St Anthony Sports Club edged past Verna Sports Club 3-1 via the tie-breaker to move into the quarter-final of the Young Strikers All-Goa football tournament, organized by Young Strikers Club, Benaulim, at St John the Baptist ground, on Thursday. The first half remained goalless draw.
The teams started in the right earnest but St Anthony had the first chance to score only to see Menino Hilario’s effort go inches over after a dangerous solo effort that found the rival defence napping.
At the other end, Verna showed urgency and attacked through Myron Fernandes but the latter’s long ranger was fisted away by the rival goalkeeper for an abortive corner-kick.
Crossing over, the teams tried to edge out each other in the midfield but their strikers could not make an impact.
In the 40th minute, Verna had a golden chance to score through Stephen Pereira’s solo effort but the latter’s half volley missed the target.
While St Anthony’s Melson Gomes’ header also missed to find the target.
Subsequently, Verna had another opportunity to score in the 54th minute but were unlucky as Razor Braganza’s rasping grounder hit the cross piece and was saved by St Anthony custodian Nelson Gomes at goalline.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, St Anthony defeated Verna 3-1 with St Anthony scoring through Menino Hilario, Ramario Fernandes and Mexon Fernandes while Myron Fernandes was the lone scorer for Verna.
