Team Herald
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RAIA: United Club Verna got the better of Navelim Villagers Union 1-0 to enter the semi-finals of All Goa Navelim Villagers Union Trophy organised by Navelim Villagers Union at Rosary Church ground, Navelim, on Tuesday
Navelim Villagers Union missed the target in the 5th minute of play when Noah Luis shot hit the post and went out of play.
In the 24th minute, Elrich Fernandes of United Club Verna scored the all-important goal with a solo effort by beating Navelim Villagers Union goalkeeper Mehboob Hussain to net in.
At lemon break, United Club Verna were leading 1-0.
After resumption of second half, Navelim Villagers Union’s Ronaldo Pereira gave a through pass to Nash Pereira but he failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
As the match progressed in the last quarter, United Club of Verna wasted one to one chance on three occasions as Navelim Villagers Union’s goalkeeper made some smart saves.
Then Navelim Villagers Union made two substitutions - Terrance Miranda and Lyndon Cardozo - but couldn’t find the much-needed equaliser till the final whistle.
United Club Verna now will meet United Club Benaulim in the semi-final.
Mario Gomes tiatrist presented the man-of-the-match to Elrich Fernandes of United Club Verna.