Martins nets four as Dempo drub Sporting

Ranty Martins scored all of his team’s goals as Dempo Sports Club floored Sporting Clube de Goa 4-1 and ensured they have more than just a hand on the I-League trophy in the 25th round I League encounter at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday. 

Dempo started attacking straightaway, making their intentions clear. Densill Theobad’s booming long ranger and Koko Sakibo’s close range effort, both saved by Sporting goalkeeper Ashok Singh, gave an indication of what was to follow and Ranty soon broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when his shot from top of the box sailed into the top corner of the net.  

Sporting equalised in the 38th minute when James Moga headed Anthony D’Souza’s corner kick inside a crowded goalmouth. 

The second session, however, was totally dominated by Dempo and was made more convincing by some delightful finishes by Ranty.  

The Nigerian striker put Dempo ahead for the second time in the 51st minute when his half-volley fetched the desired results and a minute later the match was beyond Sporting Clube’s reach as Ranty scored his and the team’s third goal after Koko snatched a ball from Adil Khan and fed Ranty on a platter for a simple finish.  

Ranty made it even better in the 73rd minute when another cross from the right by Anthony Pereira was converted  with ease by the Nigerian striker. Ranty was adjudged man of the match for his splendid performance.  Dempo are now nine points clear at the top and are overwhelming favourites to win the I-League for a record fifth time. 

Prayag, Churchill win 

In Shillong, Josimar Dasilva Martins hat-trick helped Prayag United Sports Club come from behind to humble Shillong Lajong FC 5-3 in the latter’s home ground. 

Josimar scored in the 32nd, 55th and 77th minute while S Malsawm Tulunga (12th) and Denson Devadas (28th) netted the other goals. For Shillong, Sushil Kumar Singh (fifth minute), Eugenson Lyngdoh (15th) and Matthew Osvaldo Mayora (77th) were the scorers. In another match, Churchill Brothers beat Pune FC 2-0 with Lalrindika Ralte (27th) and Henry Antchouet (48th) being the scorers.