I-LEAGUE Media Team

GOA: Dempo Sports Club moved into the top five of the Airtel I-League
for the first time after scripting a 2-0 victory over Rangdajied United FC
at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Saturday.

Dempo were lying in the 10th spot and were in danger of being among
those who are fighting to save the drop. But such is the tight
position on the league ladder that a win can alter the dynamics
significantly.

It happened with Dempo on Sunday as the win propelled
them above five other teams in fifth position with 19 points.

Dempo started well and drew first blood through Alwyn George in the
7th minute. And when Haroon Amiri scored the second goal in the
44th minute of play, it was as good as over for Rangdajied, who
continue to be at the bottom of the pool.

Dempo had foreign players, Tolgay Ozbey and Haroon Amiri play for the
first time in the I-League, though there was no place for another new
acquisition, Sanju Pradhan, in the starting line-up.
Dempo’s
strengthened side packed too much punch for their weakened rivals and
it was not a surprise that they surged ahead in the seventh minute
itself.

Dempo were pressing hard at the start and in a swift counter, opened
the account. Pronay  Halder had intelligently chipped the ball to
Clifford Miranda on the left and the Dempo captain’s attempt struck
the inside of the post before rebounding, where Allwyn was on hand to
turn the ball home for a simple goal.

Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes da Silva went close immediately
when a loose ball from the rival defence fell nicely at his feet but
goalkeeper TP Rehenesh effected a superlative save.

At the other end, Rangdajied captain Eugenson Lyngdoh was a threat and
goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani did well to block his stunning attempt
from a distance.

Rangdajied were living dangerously, especially with Australian striker
Tolgay Ozbey in good form. The striker first made a mark with a diving
header which the goalkeeper somehow managed to get his hand to the
ball, and just before the break, his left footer rattled the post.

Dempo were not to be denied another goal in the first session as a
minute before the change of ends, Haroon Amiri scored an opportunistic
goal, turning home a corner from Roberto Mendes from inside a crowded
goalmouth.

With a two-goal advantage, Dempo only had to run down the clock in the
second session which they managed to do without any discomfort.