MARGAO: United Club of Benaulim shunted out United Club of Nerul 6-5 via the sudden death to march into the final of all-Goa Our Lady of Merces inter- village football tournament organized by Sirlim Sports Club, at church ground, Chinchinim, on Saturday. There was no score at full time.
The teams displayed attacking brand of soccer and kept the crowds on their toes.
However it was United Club of Nerul who slowly took over the proceedings and launched barrage of attacks withh good ball possesion and some promising moves ahead. They were unlucky when striker Jenifer Clemente’s rasping shot hit the cross bar much to the disappointment of Nerul supporters.
Post resumption, United Club of Benaulim introduced Brandon Fernandes and he energized the Benaulim attacks. Brandon played a stellar role for his team in the midfield as he put his forwards with stream of passes and also called the shots against the rival citadel.
United Club of Nerul’s usual opening flair was missing as they occasionally went attacking. They had their share of chances but failes to take the advantage.
Tie-breaker also failed to produce the result, sudden death was applied to break the impasse.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, Santan Fernandes, Brandon Fernandes, Vincy Fernandes, Elvis Baretto and Romano Fernandes were on target for United Club of Benualim while Joelif Simoes, Stanley D’Silva, Avinash Pereira, Siddesh Morje, and Suraj Khuantakar converted for United Club of Nerul.
In the sudden-death, Steven Baptista was successful for United Club of Benaulim while Manuel Crasto failed for United Club of Nerul.
