Dempo Sports dent Salgaocar pride

Dempo Sports dent Salgaocar pride
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

MARGAO, OCTOBER 7: Salgaocar suffered a setback for the title clash against Churchill Brothers when they lost 2-1 to Dempo in the penultimate match of the Goa's Professional League football here on Saturday.

Salgaocar, who needed to win to set up title clash against Churchill, remained on 17 points from nine matches.

Churchill, who lead the table with 18 points from eight matches, need three points from Sunday's match against Vasco to lift the title. Dempo, who drew goalless against Salgaocar in the first phase, dominated the match and scored through Sameer Naik (36th) and Tejinder Kumar (44th)

Salgaocar, who reduced the margin through Climax Lawerence in 45th minute, had more of the scoring chances in the second half which they dominated but Jules Alberto and Dennis Cabral muffed in front of the goal.

Defender Melwin Rodrigues came to the rescue of the Dempo when he made a goalline save off Francis Coelho's shot.

Dempo, who were defending their citadel for most part of the second half with defender Mikola Schevchenko and Jeevan Moras, stood tall to cut off the rival moves. Even if they were beaten, keeper Francis Fernandes played his role well to keep the slate clean to deny Salgaocar the equaliser.

After a midfield battle in the initial stages, Dempo shot to the lead in the 36th minute when Levy Coelho's cross was stopped by Sameer Naik who outwitted defender Agustine and tapped the ball over onrushing keeper Siddi into the net.

Eight minutes later, Dempo increased the lead when Sujeet Tigga, after collecting the long clearance, dribbled past Francis Coelho and crossed to Tejinder Kumar whose shot from edge of the penalty box found the target.

Salgaocar staged a recovery and reduced the margin in the last minute of the first half when Climax Lawerence tapped home from close off Dennis Cabral cross.