Team Herald
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BENAULIM:Young Strikers Benaulim recorded a resounding 3-1 win over Navelim Sporting to storm into the final of the 9th Cana Benaulim Panchayat Cup organised by Young Strikers Club, Benaulim and played at St John the Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim, on Thursday.
Skipper Nicholas Rodrigues struck a splendid brace after winger Rody Fernandes opened a scoring for Benaulim while striker Avlon Gomes reduced the margin from a spot kick for Navelim.
Navelim started confidently and got the first chance in the 11th minute but Avlon Gomes headed wide a Presley Gomes cross. Benaulim sustained the pressure and forged ahead through winger Rody Fernandes who lobbed the ball over the advancing rival goalkeeper Dalwin Costa following a perfect pass by Faizal Bepari in the 20th minute.
Navelim were still recovering before the host doubled the advantage. Wing back Mildred Rebello was fouled at the centre spot and the resultant free kick was floated in the area by stopper back Meldon D’Silva where Nicholas Rodrigues burst ahead of his marker Rowan Pereira and with delicate control of the ball, smashed a left footer past the baffled Navelim Goalkeeper Dalwin Costa.
Navelim were soon offered a life line when Referee Sharad Naik penalized Benaulim midfielder Steven Baptista for a high foot foul in the 26th minute. Avlon Gomes took the responsibility and converted the penalty easily past rival goalkeeper Sugetish Mandrekar to reduce the margin.
After the change of ends, Navelim tried hard for the equaliser but Benaulim defence lined with Meldon D’Silva, Vellesley Afonso, Mildred Rebello and Sudroy Bapista protected the goal from the Navelim strikers Alvito Colaco and Avlon Gomes.
Benaulim dug deep to smother the attacks and finally drove the final nail into the coffin within six minutes before the regulation time.
Skipper Nicholas Rodrigues who was left alone more than 30 yards out controlled the ball sent in by substitute Rizwan Rato struck a floater which dipped into the nylons.
Young Strikers Benaulim will clash with St. Jose De Areal SC in the final to be played on Sunday.
