Young Strikers reach Benaulim finals

the goan I networkrMARGAOrrSkipper Nicholas Rodrigues, former Mumbai FC winger struck a splendid brace after winger Rody Fernandes opened a scoring for Benaulim while striker Avlon Gomes reduced the margin from a spot-kick for Navelim. rNavelim started confidently and got the first chance in the 11th minute but Avlon Gomes headed just wide a Presley Gomes cross. Benaulim sustained the pressure and forged ahead through winger Rody Fernandes who intelligently lobbed the ball over the slightly advancing rival goalkeeper Dalwin Costa following an inch-perfect pass by Faizal Bepari in the 20th minute. rNavelim were still coming out of the shocking jolt that four minutes later the host doubled the advantage. Wing back Mildred Rebello was fouled at the centre spot and the resultant free-kick was floated in the area by stopper back Meldon D’Silva where Nicholas Rodrigues burst ahead of his marker Rowan Pereira and with a delicate control slashed a left footer past the baffled Navelim goalkeeper Dalwin Costa. rNavelim were soon offered a lifeline when referee Sharad Naik penalized Benaulim midfielder Steven Baptista for a high foot foul in the 26th minute. Avlon Gomes took the responsibility and converted the penalty easily past rival goalkeeper Sugetish Mandrekar to reduce the margin. rPost resumption, Navelim tried hard for the equalizer but Benaulim defense comprising Meldon D’Silva, Vellesley Afonso, Mildred Rebello and Sudroy Bapista did not put a wrong foot to allow Navelim strikers Alvito Colaco and Avlon Gomes a clear look at the goal. rBenaulim dug deep to smother the attacks and finally made the issue safe six minutes before the close. Skipper Nicholas Rodrigues who was left alone more than 30 yards out took a substitute Rizwan Rato forward pass and seeing the Navelim goalkeeper Delwin out of position struck a floater which dipped into the Nylons effecting Navelim hopes of staging a comeback. Now Young Strikers Benaulim will clash with St Jose De Areal SC in the finals to be played on Sunday.