MARGAO
United Club of Verna got the better of hosts Raia Sporting Club 4-1 to emerge champions of the 51st Custodio Memorial inter-village football tournament, at Raia Panchayat football ground, on Monday.
Raia SC would have taken the lead in the sixth minute but Silvano Oliveira's powerpaked shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Savio Pereira of UC Verna. In the 15th minute, Verna missed a scoring chance as Josloy Moniz's header off Clifton Oliviera's cross sailed over the bar. Raia Sporting Club disappointed the host team as they failed to functioned as a unit
Desmond Pereira gave the lead to UC Verna in the 28th minute.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Verna team seized control, dictating the tempo with their possession-based play.Verna's midfield maestros kept the pressure on rival defense, creating scoring chances. Despite host defense, United Club of Verna stayed in control.
Jesloy Moniz increased the lead in the 48th minute. Two minutes later, Lloyd Cardozo reduced the margin for host Raia SC. Substitute Nevil Menezes made the issue more safer for UC Verna scoring two quick goals taking the tally to 4-1.
United Club of Verna were awarded Rs 1,00,000 while Raia Sporting Club has to settle Rs 70,000. Vija Sardesai, MLA of Fatorda was the chief guest and handed over the prizes in the presence of Fr Januario Da Costa, Parish Priest of OL of Snows Church, Domnic Gauncar - ZP Member, Peter Quadros, Sarpanch of Raia and Roque Mascarenhas and special invitees and Club and Anthony Pango members and officials were present for the finals.
Individual prizes: 1st scorer of the final: Desmond Pereira (UC Verna), best goalkeeper of final: Savio Pereira (UC Verna), best defender of final: Fulgancio Cardozo (UC Verna), best midfielder of the final: Sidney Gauncar (Raia SC) , best forward of the final, highest scorer of the tournament & first hat-trick of the tournament: Lloyd Cardozo (Raia SC) , Man of the final: Nevil Menezes (UC Verna), best disciplined team: Sporting Club Davorlim.
