the goan I network
MARGAO
Snows Football Academy-Raia came from behind to defeat United Club of Benaulim 3-2 and storm into the quarter-final of South Goa McDowell’s No 1 Yarri Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Cuncolim Union at government school ground, Cuncolim, on Wednesday. United Club of Benaulim led 2-1 at the breather.
Incessant rains had rendered the ground slippery and difficult for both the teams and they struggled to display an attacking brand of soccer. As the match progressed , United Club of Benaulim adjusted well the conditions and broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Francisco Fernandes slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap-shot.
Stung by the setback, Snows Football Academy came up with their best chance, but their forward squandered from close range. Snows looked good in possession and their forwards troubled the rival defence with well-orchestrated raids. At the other end, Benaulim too had their share of chances and looked to increase their tally but their forwards blasted wide from hand-shaking distance.
Persistent forays paid off dividends and in the 21st minute, striker Ahston Olveira punted the ball to the far corner of the net to put his team, Snows on equal terms. The equaliser boosted the morale of the Raia team as they mounted tremendous pressure on the rival citadel and in the 31st minute, Llyod Cardozo put them in the lead as he beat his marker and punished the rival goalkeeper with a neat finish.
Post-resumption, Snows started the game in same vein with their forwards unleashing a flurry of attacks. Danny Fernandes put the issue beyond doubt when his brillant shot beat the rival goalkeeper hands down.
Ashton Olveira came close to reducing the margin, but his clever flick in the box flew over the crossbar. In the 49th minute though, Francisco Fernandes pulled one back to register his brace. Benaulim went all out in search of the equaliser but the rival defenders stood tall in protecting their lead and move into the last eight stage.
