The Goan Network
MARGAO
Hosts St Anthony's Sports Club,Assolda downed Our Lady of Gloria Sports Club,Ilha de Rachol, 2-1 to advance into the quarter-final of All Goa St Anthony's Festival Cup inter village football tournament organized by St Anthony's Sports Club, Assolda at Panchayat grounds, Assolda on Friday. All the goals came in the first half.
Backed by their voiceferous crowds, St Anthony's Sports Club held the upper hand in the opening session and troubled the rival defence with well orchestrated raids. Persistent forays paid the dividends and in the very 5th minute, St Anthony's brokethrough when Rosario Fernandes headed home off a well measured cross from Sunny Fernandes.
Spurred by the early lead, St Anthony's Sports Club intensified their attacks and doubled the lead in the 10th minute when striker Sunny Fernandes punished the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish.
Down by 0-2, Our Lady of Gloria Sports Club went all out and and launched a barrage of attacks and reduced the deficit in the 15th minute when Melroy Dias slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.
Crossing over, both the teams displayed attacking brand of soccer as a result there were few thrills at either end. Midway in the second half, St Anthony's Sports Club exerted pressure on the Our Lady of Gloria Sports Club but the defence stood rock solid.
With the team running out of time, Our Lady of Gloria Sports Club went all out in search of equaliser but failed to get past the rival rearguard.
Today's Action
St Anthony's Festival Cup soccer: Mandopa Sporting Club v Curtorim Gymkhana, Panchayat grounds, Assolda, 4.45 pm.
