MARGAO
Betalbatim Sporting Club edged past Varca Sports Club 3-1 via a penalty shootout to march into the semi-finals of All Goa 27th Super Soccer tournament organized by United Boys of Dando, Colva at St John the Baptist Dando ground, Benaulim on Sunday. Betalnatim Sporting led 1-0 at the breather. The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace by Austin Fernandes.
Betalbatim Sporting were dominating possession and broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Klusner Pereira punted the ball to the far corner of the net. Spurred by the lead, Betalbatim Sporting made inroads into the rival territory and had a couple of chances but their forwards misfired from close range. At the other end, Varca were subdued and their movement was restricted to midfield and they hardly made any efforts to neutralize the lead and the rival defence was spot on in not allowing the rival attackers to sneak home.
The second half started to unfold in a cagey fashion with Betalbatim Sporting forwards unleashing pot shots against the rival citadel. Austin Fernandes doubled the lead in the 50th minute when he placed the ball to the far corner of the net. The 2-0 cushion boosted the morale of Betalbatim Sporting players as they mounted pressure on the rival goal and five minutes later, Austin deceived the rival defenders and beat the goalkeeper with a deft placement to register his brace.
Down 0-3, Varca fired on all cylinders and scored the consolation goal through the boots of Nash Pereira in the 57th minute. Unfazed, Betalbatim Sporting tormented the rival defence with sporadic raids but could not add more goals to the tally.
PLAYING TODAY
Parish Youth, Nuvem v St Anthony's Sports Club, Assolda, St John the Baptist Dando ground, Benaulim, 4.30 pm
