TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: League leaders Dempo blew hot and cold before surviving a dodged fight from Chirag United with a narrow 2-1 victory in a 14th round I-league match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Saturday. All goals came in the first half.
Dempo started in their customary attacking fashion, enjoying the better of exchanges, especially in the first session.
Midfielder Clifford Miranda gave Dempo the lead in the very 2nd minute. Man-of-the-match wing half Anthony Pereira, outwitted defender Pradeep Kumar and Mohan Raj and essayed a fine through pass to Peter Carvalho who without wasting time relayed it to Clifford and the last named beat onrushing Chirag goalkeeper Sharath K with a left footer.
Dempo kept up the pressure and captain Ranty Martin’s weak header went straight into the hands of the rival goalkeeper after he was served on the platter by Anthony Pereira. They wasted another chance in the 15th minute when off Anthony Pereira’s fine chip Clifford headed out.
Dempo struck yet again in the 25th minute when Anthony picked up the ball from Rowilson Rodrigues, sped down and sent a through pass to Ranty who controlled it and punished the goalkeeper with a carpet drive.
Chirag forced a fightback. Debabrata Roy failed to clear a harmless cross and the ball landed at the feet of Vignesh G whose floater deflected off Samir Naik. Nigerian striker David Sunday pounced on the chance and punished Dempo goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury with a super reverse kick.
Dempo upped the ante. First Climax’s volley hit the crossbar and then goalkeeper Sharath K blocked Samir Naik’s snap shot.
Dempo relied on their usual slow build-up after the break and Clifford’s left footed drive was collected by the Chirag United goalkeeper.
At the other hand, the Dempo citadel survived a scare in the 59th minute when substitute Jimshad U moved on the right and essayed a cross where Valeriano Rebello failed to intercept it and lurking Vinneeth K’s shot went straight into the hands of the Dempo goalkeeper. Two minutes later Chirag nearly found the equaliser but striker David Sunday headed out a flag kick by Anil Kumar.
Dempo thereafter with substitute Koko Sakibo heading out an open chance and Ranty failing to beat the goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation. Later, Koko, Ranty and Peter Carvalho wasted gilt-edged chances.
With this win, Dempo continue to stay at top with 30 points from 14 encounters while Chirag stay on 12th spot with 11 points.
Dempo coach Armando Colaco heaved a sigh of relief after the match. “I am happy to pick up three points. We missed a couple of scoring chances. Let’s hope we can keep up the momentum.”
A disappointed Chirag coach Packeer Ali said, “We played well and a draw could have been a fair result. Now, every game is important for us as we are fighting against relegation.”
