MARGAO
Alex Alvares struck a fine hat-trick while Antonio Prestly Pereira scored his first goal of the tournament as Blue Atlantic came from behind to beat Red Chillies 4-1 in the penultimate week of the inaugural Goa Veterans Football Club (GVFC) Veterans Football League at Sinquetim on Sunday.
Red Chillies took an early lead through Joaquim Marcos Colaco (Jack), but Blue Atlantic produced a stunning turnaround in the third and final session. Alvares scored all three of his goals in quick succession, while Prestly Pereira added another to complete a convincing comeback.
The victory lifted Blue Atlantic from the bottom to second place on goal difference, with the three teams below leaders Green Veggies all locked on six points heading into the final round.
Green Veggies continue to lead the four-team standings with 15 points from five wins. Red Chillies are third, while Yellow Daffodils occupy fourth, with both teams on six points.
Red Chillies made the brighter start and went ahead in the 18th minute when Joaquim Marcos Colaco produced a fine finish past Avertano Furtado following a pinpoint pass from Camilo Baptista.
Blue Atlantic nearly levelled five minutes into the second session, but Alvares’ left-footed effort from distance sailed over Osvaldo D’Costa’s goal. Red Chillies then came close to doubling their advantage, only for Furtado to make an excellent save to deny Tiago Andre Fernandes.
Blue Atlantic finally drew level midway through the final session when Alvares’ well-struck free-kick beat a diving D’Costa and nestled inside the far post.
Alvares then put Blue Atlantic ahead for the first time with a powerful long-range strike that gave D’Costa no chance.
Prestly Pereira made it 3-1 moments later, guiding home a pass from Alvares, who was named Player of the Match.
Alvares completed his hat-trick three minutes from the final whistle with another long-range effort, sealing a memorable comeback for Blue Atlantic under new skipper Orlando Viegas.
