Dempo Sports Club began their campaign in style by beating Salgaocar with a convincing 3-0 margin in the lung opener of the first ONGC I-League at Nehru stadium on Saturday.

Dempo opened their account early when Salgaocar defender Nicholau Colaco delayed in clearing the ball. Martins intercepted and sent a across to Edeh Chidi, who tapped it in from close quarters. Chidi then had a clear chance to increase the lead but his header from close went out.

Salgaocar defenders, unable to tackle the pressure, conceded another goal in the 24th minute. A mispass by Nicholas Rodrigues just outside the box saw the ball going to Dempo’s Nicholas Bor-ges, who quickly released it to a well-placed Chidi, who let loose a firm right-footer that found the net.

Dempo continued to hold sway after the interval with Martins and Chidi breathing down their rivals’ necks with forays and increased the tally in the 68th minute. A move from the right saw Anthony Pereira release the ball to Martins, who made no mistake in finding the net.