Salgaocar score second consecutive win at NFL

Gonslaves, approaching 40 years of age, brought one back for Dempo after coming on as substitute in the 75th minute. The former international punished a rare error by Juje Siddi in the Salgoacar goal but the stroke came too late to turn things around.

Salgoacar now have seven points from four matches and are one behind leaders Air-India. Dempo have four from three and will need do some soul searching before they take on the formidable Calcutta sides away from home.

Sanaton Singh, Salgaocar’senergetic mid-fielder claimed his second Man-of-the-Match award but unlike this first nomination against Air-India, did not surprise the healthy turnout today.

The little mid-fielder displayed speed and energy, combining well with Cynosure Bruno Continho and the duo did much to destroy Dempo’s midfield and ruin their ragged defence.

Coach Shabbir Ali was naturally very pleased with his sides success but refused to single out players for praise with a string of matches in Goa in the weeks to come. Salgoacar looked very good to consolidate on their position.

For Dempo and captain- Nigerian Christopher Ihegborow it is time for “correction.” Christopher said: “We played well but the most important thing is that Salgaocar won. We must find out why. I think our midfield failed today and that put pressure on our defence.” Christopher added: “But responsibility is collective and Dempo as a team accept it for today’s defeat. That is the spirit right now in our camp.”

Dempo came back strongly after half-time and the induction of Maurilo Afonso made a world of a difference. But Dempo’s task in light of recent history and arguably the strongest defence in Indian soccer always looked uphill.

Dempo threatened within seconds of the start, Christopher attempting to get star Stuser Francis Silveria into his act played along ball into the area. Roberto Fernandes, though, was equal to the occasion, clearing for corner. The India captain crossed following a throw-in but both Jude Odegan and Khelendro Singh failed to intercept.

Salgaocar’s efforts were soon to bear fruit and it came in spectacular style-Nigerian Jude Odegah leaping high to head past Salim Ansari in goal after Sanaton Singh headed a long throw in by Countinho in the 16th minute.

Dempo’s Brazilian imports made no impact again and their only moment in the first session followed Gautam Ganesh’s long dialogue from the right. Silveria was just out of position but Brazilian Marcelo Antonio’s header sailed over Juje Siddi’s goal mid-way through thehalf. Salim Ansari saved Dempo with a leading save from Venkatesh’s powerful left-footer following lose play by Mathew Rodrigues in the defence but another blunder, this time by Christopher of all people brought Salgaocar their second goal.

Jules Alberto blasted home, the Nigerian’s clearance from 20 yards out. Juje Siddi preserved Salgoacar’s two-goal cushion, going into the interval with a fine save to thwart a shot by Santano Colaco.

Siddi was the thick of things again immediately after the interval amid new-found Dempo resolve. Dempo substitute Afonso crossed and the dangerous Silveria attempting to squeeze his shot through at the far side found Salgaocar custodian equal to the task.

As Dempo went for the long ball to provide the lurking Silveria the chances he longs far, Siddi brought off another save- a splendid double-fisted block to the striker’s volley from 20 yards out.

But the pressure Dempo exerted was bound to tell by an overworked ‘keeper who erred in the 11th minute. Siddi left his line, failed to connect, but heaved relief as colleague Robert Fernandes blocked Silveria’s timid attempt on the goaline.

In an anti-climatic ending after almost 90 minutes of fine work, Siddi failed to hold to Silveria’s cross and Camilo bundled the ball into the goal. There was precious little Christopher and his side could do to induce anxiety in the Salgaocar defence as the seconds ticked away and the long whistle ended an unhappy day for the Nigerian defender.

A yellow card for a foul on Salgaocar skipper Countinho compounded his defensive error that led to the goal in the first half. Salgaocar defender Francis Coelho picked up the game’s other yellow for time wasting in the second-half.