AGENCIES
KALYANI: A world-class finishing from the World Cupper Carlos Hernandes helped Prayag United return to winning form beating Dempo 1-0 in a 14th round I-League match at Municipal stadium, here, Friday.
Costa Rican midfielder Hernandes scored from a spectacular free-kick in the final minute of the regulation time to turn the tide in favour of Prayag, who picked up their first win after successive losses in the previous two rounds.
Dempo were reduced to 10 men with the ejection of defender Debabrata Roy with two bookings, in the 86th minute.
Prayag played true to their potential with the availability of the full squad as Hernandes and Nigerian Ranty Martins powered the thrust of the home side.
Hernandes, the playmaker of the side, helped Prayag avenge the 1-3 defeat against the same opponent in the first phase.
The first half was fought mostly on equal terms with both sides checking their offensive intents and focusing more on midfield control.
Prayag winger C K Vineeth saw his 23rd minute effort coming off the crosspiece which was the closest any of the sides could progress in the opening half.
Things turned livelier after the break. Dempo, which missed the services of three regulars which included Japanese striker Ryuiji Seuoka, was justifiably contained in their offensive intent.
Dempo goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury had a tough time under the bar as the hosts repeatedly sought the goal route. Subhasish made two fine saves in the 52nd and 55th minutes to deny Hernandes’ and Shankar Oraon’s powerful efforts from the top of the box.
The Dempo custodian saved one from the line when Ranty came close to score in the 60th minute. He went on to save another effort from Prayag’s substitute Lester Fernandes, who fired a fine curling shot just to find it cleared by the Dempo goalkeeper.
After saving a good free-kick from Hernandes in the 78th minute, Subhasish finally surrendered in the final minute when the Costa Rican produced an even sharper effort.
Dempo drew in more pressure losing Debabrata, who received his second booking following a foul on Shankar Oraon in the 86th minute.
Hernandes, who earned a free-kick just outside the Dempo box after being brought down by opposition captain Clifford Miranda, finally succeeded in finding the net when he sent a low, sharply swinging shot that cleared the Dempo wall and found its way home through the top angle.
Table toppers Dempo slip to the third spot in the League table after Churchill Brothers crushed Shillong Lajong FC 6-0 at Duler stadium, Mapusa.
