Dempo SC scored a hard fought 1-0 victory over arch rivals Salgaocar FC in the U-13 Youth League at Nagoa ground on Saturday.

Salgaocar SC were the better team in the first twenty minutes with several of their long balls troubling the Dempo defenders.

Dempo SC, slow off the blocks had their first chance in the 20th minute when Dwayne Neto found himself in front of the goal with just a lone Salgaocar defender to beat. However Shahbhaz Khan’ timely tackle averted the danger for the greens.A couple of minutes later however, Dempo were not to be denied when Dwayne Neto and Shreyash Naik, combined with a brilliant one two with the final touch coming from the latter.

The second half saw Salgaocar FC start strongly with their strikers and midfielders combining well. The Vasco based team felt aggrieved when the were denied two close penalty shouts. Coach Cajetan Fernandes was then sent off for protesting the referee’s decision. Salgaocar though continued to pile on the pressure but the Dempo defenders thwarted every danger and several aerial balls were well cleared.

In the 67th minute Dempo SC’s Prajay Gawade was given marching orders as he was shown the second yellow card within 5 minutes of coming on as a substitute.

Salgaocar then had a glorious opportunity to level the scores in the 90th minute when they were awarded a penalty ater Tarak Kandolkar unfairly tackled Salgaocar striker Adriel Rodrigues inside the box. However, Dempo SC goalkeeper Sail Parulekar stayed calm under the bar and came with a brilliant save off the spot kick taken by Gangaram Kharat.

With this win Dempo continue their unbeaten run after 5 matches in the tournament and currently occupy top spot.

(Dempo SC)