Dempo stay perfect with easy win

Clifford Miranda was the first to score for Dempo in the 15th  minute before Pune FC drew level through Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 26th. But the home team’s resilience caved in much before Dempo actually got into their usual rhythm. Pune FC must thank their third-choice goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who made a couple of good saves.

Anthony Pereira found a way past Amrinder three minutes before halftime before Ranti Martins made the game safe through a penalty in the 54th minute. The win consolidated Dempo’s position at the top of the table with 18 points from six matches, while it was Pune FC’s third straight loss after losing to Prayag United SC and East Bengal in Kolkata early this month. Pune FC stay 10th with five points.

In Margao, SportingClube de Goa handed Chirag United Kerala their fifth straight loss in the I-League after scripting a comfortable 2-0 win at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday. Goals from James Moga (11th) and Victorino Fernandes (30th) were enough for Sporting to pick up three points.

Sporting have 12 points and are second-best only to run-away leaders Dempo Sports Club. Chirag United Kerala have three points. In an another sixth round encounter, Shillong Lajong, riding on a solitary goal from Lalram Luaha, defeated Pailan Arrows 1-0 in Imphal.
Prayag United Sports Club squandered a penalty to settle for a goal-less draw against defending champions Salgaocar at the Salt Lake stadium.

The draw meant Prayag remained unbeaten from six outings on 10 points, while Salgaocar have seven points.