Dempo SC 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.

(Report & Pictures courtesy AIFF Media)