the goan I network
MARGAO
Salgaocar Veterans thumped Navelim Veterans 5-1 in a friendly football match at Rosary Ground, Navelim on Monday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time.
Salgaocar Veterans, comprising of Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, Robert Fernandes, Gasper Crasto, Vishant Pednekar, Alex Ambrose and Alivto D’Cunha dazzled the crowds with their vintage football. Navelim Veterans, at the other end, featured the likes of Climax Lawrence, Orlando Viegas, Anthony Pereira, Covan Lawrence, Avertano Furtado, Dennis Cabral, Fr Americo and Frank Fernandes.
They showed their attacking inent and created many forays into the rival penalty box but rival defeders comrpising of Robert Fernanndes, Anthony Pereira and Franky Baretto were rock soild at the back. Salgaocar Veterans rocked the rival citadel when striker Gasper Crasto slotted past the rival goalkeeper, Avertano Furtado, with a snap shot off an assist from Vishant Pednekar.
Stung by that setback, Navelim Veterans regrouped quickly and equalised when former India captian Climax Lawence headed home, giving no chance to goalkeeper Brahmanand Sakhwalkar. Stunned by the leveller, Salgaocar Veterans unleashed a flurry of attacks on the rival goal but Avertano Furtado was outstanding as he effected many good saves.
Crossing over, Salgaocar Veterans dominated the proceedings and enjoyed better ball possession. Vishant Pednekar regained the lead when he punted the ball to the far corner of the net. The goal boosted Salgaocar Veterans as Alvito D’Cunha, the former India midfielder, harassing the rival defenders with speed as he rolled back the years
of his peak.
Robert Fernandes increase the tally when he beat the rival goalkeeper with a neat finish. With Alvito D’Cunha and Alex Ambrose relentless in attack, a fourth goal was imminent and it came with the finest of moves. Storming down the flank, Alex Ambrose beat the rival goalkeeper with a rasping shot and Alvito D’Cunha slotted home with a left-footed drive with perfection.
Fr Aquailo Gomes was the chief guest and gave away the prizes. Savio Madeira, Technical Director of All India Football Federation, and Mariano Dias, AFC Instructor, witnessed the game. The function was compered
by Gasper Crasto.
