MARGAO
St Anthony Football Club, Assolda, defeated Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the 20th All Goa Guirdolim Panchayat Cup, organised by Guirdolim Club at Chandor Church Sports Complex.
Sao Jose de Areal started brightly, with Josley Gomes posing a constant threat down the right flank. His fourth-minute effort narrowly missed the target.
However, Assolda quickly settled into the contest and took the lead in the seventh minute through Reagan Fernandes, who scored with a snap shot.
Both sides enjoyed their share of possession thereafter, with Reagan and Fayden combining well for Assolda. Areal looked dangerous through Josley, who received good support from Bersal and Aryan, but they failed to convert their opportunities.
Reagan doubled Assolda's advantage in the 20th minute, calmly placing the ball past the advancing goalkeeper after being set up by Fhezer Gomes to complete his brace. Assolda went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Areal came out with greater attacking intent after the change of ends and earned a penalty in the 42nd minute when Josley Gomes was brought down inside the box by Cruz Gomes. However, veteran Bersal Viegas failed to convert from the spot as Assolda goalkeeper Oswin Rodrigues produced a crucial save.
Reagan missed two opportunities to complete his hat-trick, but Assolda held firm at the back to deny Areal a comeback. The match ended 2-0 in favour of Assolda, who booked their quarterfinal berth.
Reagan Fernandes was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning brace. He received the award from Guirdolim Club general secretary Suresh Khandolkar.
