Raj’s rocket sends Dempo crashing

Karunakar Raj limped off with a knee injury past the first quarter but in the few minutes he was there, made life difficult for the Dempo defence. He set it on a platter for Mahesh Singh in the opening minute only to find the latter not reacting with the alacrity one expected of him. With Dempo still to overcome that alarm bell, Raj struck as a Sabir Pasha cross had that inviting look attached with it. Dempo goalkeeper Salim Ansari had advanced on impulsion and Raj sliced it over him. It was quick thinking from Raj more than anyoutward brilliance but it is one effort which he may well remember long enough to share it with his grandchildren.

If goals are deemed to decipher a team’s domination, the bankmen did not get many. But even a tennis like margin would not have been a flattering one. But the plucky Goan outfit gave one last shot in the fashion of a long distance horse reserving its best for the final hurrah. The bankmen held their lead for dear life and must have died a thousand deaths in those hectic final minutes.

Joao Soares orchestrated the move from the right and as Silveira came up with his trademark header, Marcelo Antonio almost stared at the gift horse for a second before directing it over. The relief was palpable all over and the small gathering must have had their heart in their mouths.

Ever the team to raise the level of game to a notch or two higher in adversity, the bankmen came up with one of their best show in recent times.