Margao
Manora forced the pace from the start and their upfront harried the Cuncolim Union defence. Manora asserted the midfield supremacy and nearly broke the deadlock in the very 6th minute when striker Schubert Colaco’s strong header kissed the cross piece off a well executed lob from Nelson Fernandes. Ivon Costa missed what probably was the easiest chance when he hoodwinked a couple of rival defenders and his try deflected from the rival goalkeeper David Rebello and the rebounded Ivon who made a mess of it.
At the other end, Cuncolim Union were struggling to catch the rival’s brisky pace and were restricted to their own half. Manora had a couple of scoring chances but their forwards squandered an easy chance with Ivan D’Costa being the culprit as he balloned over from close range.
Crossing over, Manora were a transformed side and their forwards created umpteen raids into the rival territotry and soon after resumption Costa found striker Schubert who without wasting time punted the ball into the net. However, he awas pulled off side at the instance of assitant referee. In the 53rd minute, Manora were unlucky when substitute striker Benson Fernandes’ rasping shot hit the post much to the dismay of Manora supporters. Cuncolim Union who were at the receiving end throughout the match came with a noteworthy move when Samson Simoes unleashed a snap shot which was well blocked by Manora goalkeeper Savio Paes. Manora had a chance to sew up the match midway in the second half when striker Schubert found himself free in the rival box, but with only rival goalkeeper to beat the striker failed to control the ball and lost the opportunity. Manora broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute when striker Schubert Colaco fed Benson on the flank and the last named sent a dipping shot which beat the Cuncolim Union goalkeeper David Rebello hands down. Benson struck again at the stroke of full time off Ivan Costa’s well measured pass to register his brace and troop out worthy winners.
At Velsao grounds, a four-goal blitz including a hat-trick by Jowet Baretto enabled Velsao Sports and Cultural Club drub Cortalim Villagers 5-1.Both the teams were tied 1-1 at half time. Velsao dominated the game. However, it was Cortalim Villagers who rocked the rival citadel in the 25th minute through the boots of Johnson Pereira. Velsao had to wait long and in the 41st minute Cansio Soares cancelled the lead. Post resumption, Velsao enjoyed total domination and pumped four more goals through Jowett Baretto in the 58th,70th,74th and 82nd minute.
