The Goan Network
MARGAO
Betalbatim Sporting Club rallied from behind to defeat Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club 2-1 to enter the quarter-finals of All Goa Chinchinim Villagers Cup inter- village football tournament organized by Union of Chinchinim Villagers at Church grounds, Chinchinim on Tuesday. Betalbatim Sporting Club were trailing 0-1 at half time.
Incessant rains throughout the day made life difficult for both the teams on a soggy outfield. Areal slowly adjusted with the soft ground and broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Silvester Carvalho slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.
Stung by the setback, Betalbatim were soaking in the pressure and managed a couple of goal-bound shots but rival defender stood tall in protecting the slender lead.
Crossing over, Betalbatim looked like they could get something out of the game and there was a complete turnaround in the second half with their forwards showing urgency and troubled the rival defence with sporadic raids. Betalabtim's equaliser came in the 60th minute when James Rebello beat the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish.
The equaliser boosted the morale of Betalbatim who went on the offence when Klinsman Pereira trapped a through pass from James Rebello to score. Down by 1-2, Areal upped their ante in search of the equaliser but failed to get past the rearguard.
Today's Action
Chinchinim Villagers Cup soccer: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda v Navelim Sporting Club, Church grounds, Chinchinim, 4.30 pm.
