MARGAO
Curtorim Gymkhana scored a 3-1 win over Betalbatim Sporting Club to advance into the quarter-finals of All Goa 45th Custodio Memorial inter village football tournament organized by Raia Sporting Club at Panchayat ground, Raia on Sunday. Both the teams were tied 1-1 at half time.
Curtorim Gymkhana adjusted well to the soggy conditions of the ground due to incessant rains and their breakthrough came in the very fourth minute when Agnelo Martins hoodwinked a couple of defenders and unleashed a snap shot that crashed into the net. Stung by the setback, Betalbatim Sporting regrouped quickly and troubled the rival defence with well orchestrated raids but Curtorim Gymkhana defenders were alert and foiled the rival attacks.
The early setback did not dampen the spirits and the Betalbatim Sporting players continued their hard work, pressing for the equalizer which arrived in the 30th minute as Austin Fernandes neutralized the lead with a stiff grounder.
Post resumption, Curtorim Gymkhana were a dominant lot with their forwards threatening the rival goal and in the 40th minute Presley Costa punted the ball into the far corner of the net to give his team a one-goal cushion, 2-1. But there was no denying Curtorim Gymkhana as they fired once more when Mario Mascarenhas's volley crashed into the net giving no chance to the rival goalkeeper. At the other hand, Betalbatim Sporting went all out but failed to beat the rivals' strong rearguard.
PLAYING TODAY
United Club of Benaulim v Betalbatim Sporting Club, St John the Baptist Dando ground, Benaulim, 4.30 pm
