MAPUSA: Two second half goals enabled United Club Nerul defeat Saligao United Sports Club to advance into the quarter-finals of Sai Avatar Super Soccer, organised by Sai Avatar Sports Club, Anjuna at Anjuna Gymkhana grounds, Tembi on Sunday.

In an absorbing encounter, both the clubs from Bardez started earnestly. Nerul had first crack at the rival goal from Xavier Clemente’s 20-yard scorching right footer, which was superbly collected by Saligao keeper Dietmar Fernandes. Minutes later, another fine header by Xavier from a Charles Pereira cross sailed inches over the crosspiece.
Five minutes after crossing over, Tyson Fernandes stopped the ball from entering the goal, and referee Sunil Nanodkar gave him the marching orders to award Nerul a penalty. Benit D’Souza stepped up to put Nerul 1-0 ahead.
With two minutes remaining of regulation time, Maula Naik connected a header off a Charles Pereira cross for the second goal.