In a fierce battle, Sporting Clube de Goa was held to a 1-1 draw by Dempo Sports Club in an U-19 I-League encounter at the Don Bosco Ground, Panjim on Tuesday. Both goals came before the lemon break.

Sporting Goa took the lead after just seven minutes when Mauvin Borges sprinted down the right flank before delivering a perfectly weighted cross for James Fernandes to tuck into the back of the net.

It did not take long for Dempo to be back on level terms, with Jayson Lucas finding the back of the net after a good build up.

Sporting Goa dominated possession, but could not find any way through a stubborn Dempo defence. Mauvin came ever so close for the Flaming Oranje when he was put through, but his chip flickered of the cross bar.

After the interval Sporting Goa continued to dominate, but were frustratingly crowded out on approaching the opponents goal. In the end both teams had to be content with a point each.

Sporting Goa is currently on five points from five games while Dempo are on three points from seven matches.