the goan I network
MARGAO
Strong contenders Curtorim Gymkhana threw down the gauntlet as they produced an efficient performance to trounce Navelim Villagers Union 2-0 and storm into the semi-finals of South Goa McDowell's No. 1 Yaari Premiere Cup inter village football tournament organized by Cuncolim Union at Government Village School Playground, Cuncolim on Saturday. Curtorim Gymkhana led 1-0 at the lemon break. James Fernandes scored both the goals for the winners.
Curtorim Gymkhana began the stronger of the two sides and came up with enough opportunities that could have given them a convincing lead. At the other end, Navelim Villagers Union were resolute at the back until they conceded the first goal, while going forward, there was very little on offer from the Navelim outfit, who often found it hard to break the Curtorim Gymkhana's high pressing game.
The opener came in the 14th minute when striker James slotted past the Navelim Villagers Union goalkeeper Paul Fernandes with a snap shot after Cliffton Barbosa laid him a through pass. After taking the lead, Curtorim Gymkhana added more pace into their moves and almost benefited. James Fernandes, however, blew away a chance to increase the tally when he was fed by Cliffton Barbosa.
After surviving the scare, Navelim Villagers Union took the fight to the rival camp and made a couple of moves against the rival goal and even had a chance to level the score but striker Aulon Gomes misfired from close with Curtorim Gymkhana goalkeeper Christo Hilario at his mercy.
Growing in confidence, Curtorim Gymkhana dominated after the change of ends with James Fernandes and Cliffton Barbosa dominating proceedings. But for all their good work, the duo missed two good chances to increase the tally. The first one came soon after the resumption as Cliffton Barbosa failed to beat the rival goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation.
Navelim Villagers Union pressed hard for the equaliser and employed more men upfront and launched a barrage of attacks. They came close to cancelling the lead but Velson Cardozo and Fr Americo Rodrigues muffed gilt edged chances from close range. Curtorim Gymkhana finally scored when James smashed with a thumping header off a flag kick taken by Cliffton Barbosa in the 56th minute. James Fernandes of Curtorim Gymkhana was adjudged as the Man of the match and received the prize from chief guest, Vicky Tavares, Secretary of Cuncolim Union.
Adarsh Yuvak Sangh edged past Saligao Sporting Club 1-0 to advance into the semi-finals of North Goa McDowell's No. 1 Yaari Premiere Cup inter village football tournament organized by Anjuna Gymkhana at Anjuna ground, on Saturday. Adarsh were lucky with their goal as their player's shot deflected from an opposition defender and eluded the rival goalkeeper in the 33rd minute.
