UC Nerul in semis
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, JUNE 20
Holders United Club of Nerul brushed aside the challenge of Football Club of Siolim 2-1 to enter the semi-finals of NRB Group 37th Bandodkar Memorial Soccer Tournament organized by Baina Sports Club at MPT ground, here on Sunday. They led 2-0 at the break.
Nerul went into the lead in the 16th minute when Charles Pereira headed a Sydan Monteiuro centrre towards Siolim goal and the ball brushed past Pankaj Fondekar into the net.
In the 20th minute, John Vaz, ran solo and scored after accepting a pass from Maulali Naik. He cut past defender Ryan D’Souza and lobbed the ball over the head of advancing Joseph Britto, the Siolim goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
After change of ends, the pace of the match went several notches up with Siolim lads on the attack.
In the 34th minute, Sandeep Dhargalkar reduced the margin after accepting a pass from Raghu Shirodkar. Hard working Sandeep ran down the right flank, cut past Newton Pereira, the Nerul defender and sent in a power-packed try which beat Siddesh Morje, the Nerul keeper hands down (2-1).
Goaded by the success, Anthony Fernandes’ try deflected off Nerul defender Benit D’Souza.
Nerul hit back and Charles Pereira missed to connect a Pankaj Fondekar pass. Thereafter, Pankaj Fondekar blasted over a John Vaz pass.
During the last 10 minutes, Siolim dominated and threw a scare in the Nerul area. However, Ryan D’Souza, Anthony Fernandes and Rakesh Vaingankar were wayward in their shooting. That apart, Nerul defender Benit D’Souza and goalkeeper Siddesh Morje thwarted the dangerous moves from Siolim lads.
United Club of Nerul will meet Saligao United in the other semi- final on June 23.
John Vaz of United Club of Nerul was awarded the man-of-the match award by Jack Fernandes of Vasco.
Referee Inacio Pereira flashed the yellow card to Sandeep Dhargalkar of Football Club of Siolim for handling the ball and Maulali Naik and Sydan Monteiro both of United Club of Nerul for dangerous tackles.
There will be no match tomorrow.
On June 22, Nagoa Sporting Club, Bardez, will clash with Don Bosco Bosco Oratory, Fatorda in the first semi-final.
UC Nerul in semis
VASCO, JUNE 20 Holders United Club of Nerul brushed aside the challenge of Football Club of Siolim 2-1 to enter the semi-finals of NRB Group 37th Bandodkar Memorial Soccer Tournament organized by Baina Sports Club at MPT ground, here on Sunday. They led 2-0 at the break.
