VASCO: Dempo Sports Club, trying to make a comeback in the Second Division I-League, retained the Goa Professional League crown edging out FC Goa by a solitary goal scored by Pedro Gonsalves in their crucial Super League match at Tilak Stadium, here, on Friday. There was no score at half time.
Dempo needed three clear points to take the top position to emerge outright winners, and they did it tallying 30 points, one more than runners-up Sporting Clube de Goa who registered a 3-0 victory over Churchill Brothers at Duler Stadium, Mapusa and emerged runners-up. Salgaocar put it across Calangute Association 3-1 at Ella ground, Old Goa, and collected 28 points to take the third spot. F C Goa finished fourth with 22 points, Churchill Bros took the fifth spot with 21 points and Calangute Association got the sixth place with 20 points.
It needed a penalty kick conversion by substitute Pedro for Dempo in the 88th minute to secure the precious three points and with that the title, which they retained for second successive year.
The teams dished out a good brand of football and it was Dempo who made the first move. Brian Faria flighted the ball into the FC Goa goal which was saved by goalkeeper Bob Jackson. FC Goa fought back and Malsawmtluanga tested the Dempo goalkeeper Welyster with a good attempt.
Rayan Menezes and Mallikjan shone in the FC Goa defense while Mohd Ali and Shallom Pires held the fort for Dempo with cool heads.
In the second half, FC Goa’s Vellington, who had a excellent game in the midfield, made an attempt but Dempo defender Ali saved the move.
In the last quarter of the match, Dempo brought in Desmon, Pedro and Beneston to exert pressure on the FC Goa goal and Dempo got a penalty which was converted by Pedro Gonsalves.
Midfielder Ariston Costa bagged the man-of the match award which was presented by GFA President Caitano Jose Fernandes in the presence of Mormugao’s GFA members Francisco Nunes and Andrew Ferrao.
GFA Vice-President Jonathan D’Souza, Aggie Almeida, Dempo Group of Companies Chairman Srinivas Dempo, Yatin Dempo were amongst those present.
DEMPO: Welyster; Mohamed, Darel (Laximanan), Brian, Sarineo (Shelkdon), Shallum captain, Ariston, Vinay (Suraj), Gourav, Necio (Beneston), Jaison (Pedro).
FC Goa: Bob, Deeshank, Leewan, Rayan, KV Salman, Mallikjan, Vellington, Shanon (Delton), Malsawmtluanga (Manushwan), Salgeo (Mevan), Vasim (Velroy).
Player of the Match: Ariston Costa.
At Ella ground, Salgaocar took the lead against Calangute Association in the 16th minute. Umang Gaikwad made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute.
Calangute Association hit back after resumption and Pratesh Shirodkar reduced the margin in the 60th minute. However, two minutes later Salgaocar added their third through Saurabh Patil.
Ribhav Sardesai was named player-of-the match.
