UTORDA: United Club of Benaulim edged past Social Cultural Club, Loutolim 2-1 to advance into the quarter-finals of the Lourdes Festival Cup all-Goa inter-village soccer in memory of late Polly Rodrigues, organised by United Club of Utorda, in association with SAG Panjim, at SAG ground, Utorda, on Monday.
Both teams started game with an attacking outlook to take the lead early on. The first best chance of the match came in the 5th minute when SCC Loutolim’s Sandeep Konde almost scored but the ball hit the rival post and went out of play.
Defender Anthony Araujo played well for Loutolim as he put in a fine tackle when CanotFernandes was about to pull the trigger.
In the 15th minute, UC Benaulim striker Canot Fernandes again missed a golden opportunity with only the goalkeeper to beat but he shot the ball straight into the safe hands of the Loutolim keeper.
At the half hour mark, UC Benaulim drew first blood when their captain Osbourne Fernandes hit a power-packed shot to find the ball inside the net.
Crossing over, UC Benaulim capitalised on the lead in the 46th minute when Milred Rebello hit a power-drive to see the ball behind the nylons. As the match progressed, SSC Loutolim’s Lawrence Fernandes reduced the tally at 53rd minute with a long ranger.
Loutolim mounted pressure for equaliser through striker Dickson Alves who missed opportunities in the 56th and 60th minutes. Dickson played well but was restricted by the Benaulim defender Prasant Kurade.
UC Benaulim will meet the winners of SC Davorlim and Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda in the quarter-finals on December 5.
