MARGAO
Host Navelim Sporting Club booked their place in the semifinals of the 44th Gold Silver Rolling Trophy Football Tournament with a commanding 3“1 victory over Betalbatim Sporting Club in the last quarterfinal match, played at Rosary Church Ground, Navelim, on Thursday.
Navelim began the match on the front foot and struck early in the 5th minute through Noah Luis, who made no mistake from close range. The hosts nearly doubled their lead when Dickson Ragtao’s powerful shot hit the crossbar and went out of play. However, they continued to dominate and were rewarded in the 25th minute as Sherlock Dias scored with a composed finish, giving Navelim a 2“0 lead at the break.
In the second half, Betalbatim Sporting tried to mount a comeback. Klusner Pereira’s left-footed strike from 30 yards was punched out for a corner in the 40th minute, while Aniston Fernandes failed to convert a solo effort in the 50th minute.
Navelim sealed the match in the 58th minute when Sherlock Dias found the net again, completing his brace and putting the game beyond Betalbatim’s reach. Aniston Fernandes pulled one back for Betalbatim in the dying moments of the game, but it was too little, too late.
Sherlock Dias, who scored twice and played a pivotal role in Navelim's win, was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by sports enthusiast Lorry Dias.
