MAPUSA: United Club Nerul were stretched into a marathon tie-breaker before they beat Adarsh Yuvak Sangh, Saligao 9-8 to annex Lakhanpal Novino Gold Tropy, organised by Candolim Sports Club at Dr Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim on Sunday.

Both the sides started brightly, with spectators entertained to some edge-of-the-seat football for 70 minutes of the duel, which ended in a goalless draw. Nerul keeper came to his team’s rescue twice, as he flung to his right and then to his left to block power packed strikes of Bhanudas Raval and
Rohidas Malogi.
At the other end, it was Saligao keeper Lawrence Trinidade who was equally good to halt close range shots from Melvin Lobo and Charles Pereira. The best chance to net the winning goal was lost by Saligao, two minutes before the final whistle, as Melvin D’Souza tapped the ball over the Nerul crosspiece after being brilliantly set up by Bhanudas Raval right in front of an open goal.
In the tie-breaker, Nerul players kept their cool as Benit, Xavier, Agnelo, Melvin, Russel, Charles, Michael, Hassan and Sydan shot on target, while Aveline, Francis, Nakul, Siddesh, Merwyn, Franics (sr), Melvin and Mohan scored for Adarsh.
Individual prizes: Best goalkeeper: Henson D’Sa (Nerul), Best defender: Benit D’Souza (Nerul), Best half: Siddesh Keserkar (Adarsh), Best forward: Sydan Monteiro (Nerul), 1st goal of the finals: Aveline Fernandes (Adarsh).
Before the start of the second session, club president Mr Lourence Fernandes, treasurer Mr Patrick Gonsalves and secretary Mr Stanley Fernandes introduced the chief guest, Fr Robin Rodrigues, Candolim Parish priest. Guest of honour, Mr Agnelo Fernandes, Calangute MLA, Mr Pradeep Sethi, Administrator of Lakhanpal Novino Gold to the players and match officials.