MARGAO
Dempo SC Juniors drilled five past St Anthony SC Marna Siolim in the inaugural match of the 18th edition of Goa Police Football Cup organised by Goa Police Sports Cell, at Duler stadium, Mapusa on Monday.
St Anthony's Pushparaj Mandrekar could have stunned Dempo SC Juniors right at the beginning but his shot went wide of the target. In the 12th minute, Dempo's Arnold Oliveira attempted a shot from a freekick which was palmed away for a corner by St Anthony keeper Salil Chari.
Just after the half hour mark, St Anthony's Kashiram Pompurphekar received his marching orders after he recklessly tackled Dempo's Sheldon Fernandes just outside the penalty box, which reduced St Anthony to 10 men.
Soon after the restart, there was confusion inside the St Anthony penalty box and Dempo's Sheldon made a simple tap-in to make it 1-0. In the 55th minute, Dempo's Richon Oliveira played a delightful lofted pass into the path of Sairon Albuquerque, who headed it past the onrushing goalkeeper, 2-0.
Two minutes later, Dempo celebrated their third goal as Sheryash Naik scored a powerful strike past St Anthony keeper Salil. In the 66th minute, Dempo's Sheryash played the ball towards Sheldon, who guided it into the net. In the 76th minute, Sheldon could have scored his third only for St Anthony keeper Salil to deny him with a fingertip save. In the 83rd minute, Dempo's Jimmy Colaco chipped the ball over keeper Salil, making it 5-0 in favour of Dempo SC Juniors.
