MARGAO
Manddar Khuris Pedda had to dug deep to oust United Club Juniors 2-0 to storm into the finals of the St John Baptist Trophy Football Tournament, organised by Football Friends Benaulim, at St John Baptist ground, Dando Benaulim, on Wednesday.
The first session was dominated by Pedda but United Club goalkeeper Rossly Fernandes made three brilliant saves to keep his team in the hunt.
Post-resumption, United almost got the lead but Yohan Rodrigues long range shot was pushed out by rival goalkeeper Joseph Pinto. As the match was destined for the tie-breaker mercurial striker Meku Cardozo took a fine pass of Arif Pathan to shot into the nylons. Pedda inflicted further misery when Arif Pathan scored from close range.
Mecu Cardozo was awarded the man of the match by Minguel Rodrigues former Dempo player and Conny Rodrigues, ex-goalkeeper of Benaulim.
