The Goan Network
MARGAO
Navelim Sporting Club came from behind to defeat Betalbatim Sporting Club 2-1 to cruise into the quarter-final of All Goa Cana-Benaulim Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament, organised by Cana Benaulim Sporting Assocaition at St John the Baptist Dando grounds, Benaulim on Tuesday. There was no score at half time.
Betalbatim Sporting Club held the upper hand in the opening session with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the rival defence in disarray. Infact they had two good scoring opportunities and nearly broke the deadlock but striker Klinsman Pereira shot wide from close range and later James Rebello's rasping shot missed the target narrowly.
At the other end, Navelim Sporting Club were a subdued lot and hardly made any impact.
Crossing over, Betalbatim Sporting Club continued to enjoy the better share of exchanges during the first 15 minutes and the breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Aniston Fernandes' well executed free-kick was beautifully connected home by James Rebello with a thumping header.
Stung by that setback, Navelim Sporting Club intensified their attacks and neutralised the lead midway in the second half when Alrich Coelho's well taken free kick was nodded home by Auelon Gomes.
Spurred by the equaliser, Navelim Sporting Club went all out in search of the match-winner and ten minutes before the final whistle Rovan Pereira beat the rival goalkeeper with a smart header.
Today's Action
Cana Benaulim Panchayat Cup soccer: Cana Benaulim Sporting Association v Ambelim Sports Club, St John the Baptist Dando Grounds, Benaulim, 4.45 pm
