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It was also a case of contrasting strategies with contrasting results. Snow's Football Academy coach, mindful of the fact that the game was being played at brisk pace, wanted his players to strike early and seal the contest in the first half. United Club of Palolem wanted to absorb the pressure and then strike.
The most straightforward chance for Snow's came when veteran midfielder Johnny D'Cruz entered the Palolem area from the right and drove a snap shot along the ground but the shot went wide. At the other end, United Club of Palolem came close to taking the lead in the 10th minute but Schalachie Cardozo blew over the crossbar after he was put on the platter by midfielder Terrence Lobo.
Thereafter Snow's conjured up a couple of scoring chances but Oilex Olveira and Llyod Cardozo fired wide from close range. With the time ticking for the lemon break, Terrence blew away a golden chance to break the deadlock after Schalachie found him in the box, only to be cleverly tackled by a rival defender.
Post resumption, United Club of Palolem started with a two-pronged attack which kept the rival defenders on their toes. Snow's then had a golden chance to break the deadlock but Joston Gaunkar flopped with only the rival goalkeeper to beat. United Club of Palolem almost finished with a flourish soon after the resumption when Chatian Komparpant and Savlon Cardozo fired shots at the goal but could not get past the Raia goalkeeper.
United Club of Palolem played the ball around the park for major part of the half and midfielder Terrence took it upon himself to break the impasse. He came close but his snap shot kissed the crossbar and went out. In the penalty shootout, Immam Sab, Clemmie Dias and Schalachie Cardozo found the mark for United Club of Paloem while only Oilex Olveira converted for Snow's Football Academy.
Chaitan Komarpant of United Club of Palolem was named the Man of the match and received the award from Suraj Ambe, Vice-president, Cuncolim Union.
PLAYING TODAY
South Goa McDowell's No. 1 Yaari Premiere Cup: Navelim VU vs Curtorim Gymkhana, Government Village School Playground, Cuncolim, 4.30 pm
