MARGAO: Godwin Fernandes struck a brilliant hattrick as Fr Agnelo Sports and Cultural Club, Paroda, began their campaign in the 20th All Goa Guirdolim Panchayat Cup with a convincing 6-0 victory over St Rock Youth Club, Majorda, at the Chandor Church Sports Complex.
Organised by Guirdolim Club, the tournament got off to an exciting start with Majorda dominating the opening exchanges but failing to capitalise on a couple of early opportunities in the first 10 minutes.
Paroda gradually settled into the game, using short passes to take control of proceedings. Salvin tested the Majorda goalkeeper in the 17th minute, while Fredrich came close in the 24th minute with a header that struck the crossbar.
Paroda continued to press and broke the deadlock just before half-time through Alfredo, who brilliantly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper from an acute angle, finding the net off the inside of the upright.
After the change of ends, Paroda stepped up their attack, with Godwin Fernandes doubling the lead in the 37th minute before striking again two minutes later to make it 3-0.
Clifton added the fourth in the 44th minute with a snap shot, while Fredrich made amends for his earlier miss by scoring in the 49th minute. Godwin then completed his hattrick in the 51st minute with a long-range effort to seal an emphatic 6-0 victory.
Godwin was adjudged Man of the Match for his three-goal performance as Fr Agnelo Sports and Cultural Club advanced to the quarter-finals.
Earlier, former Guirdolim Club goalkeeper Anand Shirodkar kicked off the tournament. Chief guest Patwin Fizardo, Assistant General Secretary (South) of the Goa Football Association, addressed the gathering, while Guirdolim Club treasurer Darwin Cardoso proposed the vote of thanks.
