MARGAO
A superb hat-trick by Vishant Pednekar helped Nuvem Veterans edge past hosts Assolda Veterans 3-2 to march into the quarter-finals of All Goa Assolda Veterans football tournament organised by Assolda Veterans at Borimol Sports Complex, Quepem on Saturday. Nuvem Veterans led 2-1 at half time.
In a pulsating encounter, both the teams displayed an attacking brand of soccer and kept the crowds on their toes. Nuvem Veterans rocked the rival citadel in the fifth minute when Vishant Pednekar slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot.
Stung by that setback, hosts Assolda Veterans regrouped quickly and took the fight to the rival camp and their efforts bore the fruit in the 18th minute when Minguel Baretto bulged the net, leaving the Nuvem goalkeeper dazed. Stunned by the equaliser, Nuvem Veterans went into an attacking mode with striker Vishant Pednekar tormenting the rival defence and, with a well orchestrated raid in the 18th minute, doubled their lead with a stiff grounder to give his team a 2-1 cushion.
Crossing over, backed by the vociferous crowds, Assolda Veterans were a transformed side with their forwards showing great urgency as they unleashed a couple of pot shots at the rival goal. Persistent forays paid off the dividends when midfielder Inacio Viegas hoodwinked a couple of defenders and unleashed a left-footed drive that crashed into the net in the 30th minute to put his team on equal terms. Unfazed, Nuvem Veterans again went on the attack and swarmed all over the rival territory and, in the 38th minute, Vishant Pednekar struck the match winner to also register his hat-trick.
PLAYING TODAY
Quepem Veterans v Candolim Veterans, Borimol Sports Complex, 4.45 pm.
