THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
A second half strike by Wilson Fernandes enabled Verna Sports Club overcome St Anthony's Sports Club, Marna-Siolim 1-0 and guide them into the semi-finals of All Goa 44th Custodio Memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Raia Sporting Club at Panchayat grounds, Raia on Sunday. There was no score at lemon-break .
Both the teams adopted aggressive approach and kept the Sunday crowds on their toes. As the match progressed, Verna Sports Club asserted the midfield supremacy. Vijal Rego was the thorn in the rival defense as he gave torrid time to the rival goalkeeper.Verna nearly broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, however, St Anthony's Sports Club goalkeeper Sanil Tari rose to the occasion to palm away Savio Fernandes' goal-bound shot. Later, he again came to his side's rescue when he fisted away Vijal Rego's shot .
Crossing over, Verna Sports Club began on a bright note and made a couple of positive forays into the rival penalty box but goalkeeper Tari showed fine anticipation and reflexes to thwart rival attackers from scoring.
The all-important goal came in the 50th minute when striker Wilson Fernandes picked up the ball from Vijal Rego and beat the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot .
At the other hand, St Anthony's,who were struggling to keep pace with their rivals went all out in search of equalizer late in the second half but failed to get past their strong rearguard.
