MARGAO: Betalbatim Sporting Club booked their spot in the quarterfinals of the 27th Holy Cross Inter-Village Football Tournament with a gritty 1-0 win over Goa Velha Sports Club in a closely contested match.
The opening half was filled with missed opportunities as Betalbatim failed to capitalise on a couple of clear one-on-one chances, including a powerful shot that struck the crossbar. Goa Velha also had their moments but couldn’t convert them into goals.
In the second half, Betalbatim upped the intensity, but the Goa Velha goalkeeper produced a string of superb saves to keep his team in the contest. However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute when Gladson scored directly from a corner. Using a clever bit of skill, he deceived the keeper and slotted the ball home, leaving no chance for a save.
Despite Goa Velha’s late surge in search of an equaliser, Betalbatim’s defence held firm to seal a narrow but deserved victory.
