MARGAO
St Anthony SC Assolda combined grit, resilience and outstanding goalkeeping to register a narrow 1-0 victory over Betalbatim Sporting and book their place in the finals of the Franco Gouveia Memorial Tournament at the DSYA Ground, organised by St Anthony Club Colva.
Betalbatim Sporting looked the more composed side in the opening stages, with Raj Kerkar making dangerous attacking runs while Dickson and youngster Riyan Asampur impressed with their neat passing and attacking flair.
The match took a dramatic turn when Betalbatim’s goalkeeper was shown a red card for dangerous play, reducing his side to 10 men. Despite the setback, Betalbatim defended resolutely and ensured the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
Taking advantage of the extra player in the second half, Assolda increased the pressure while Betalbatim adopted a defensive approach and fought hard to keep their opponents at bay.
The breakthrough eventually came through Cruz Gomes, who rose above the defenders to head home from a corner kick and give Assolda the all-important lead.
Betalbatim launched a late fightback in search of an equaliser, but Assolda goalkeeper Allwyn Faria stood tall under pressure, producing a string of brilliant saves to preserve his side’s lead and confirm their place in the final.
For his match-winning performance between the posts, Allwyn Faria was adjudged Man of the Match. The award was presented by Jose Pereira, proprietor of Martin’s Corner, Betalbatim.
