PANAJI
A fine brace by Suraj Hadkonkar led Dempo Sports Club to a huge 5-0 win over Guardian Angel SC in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Wednesday.
Suraj scored in either half and also assisted with two goals. Pedro Gonsalves, Sairon and Necio were the other goal-scorers.
There were not many chances in the first session as Dempo managed to break the deadlock only in the 31st minute through Pedro. After going up by a goal, they showed a lot of intent but missed chances to double the lead. In the 37th minute, Suraj struck the second for the team as they led 2-0 at the break.
In the second half, Dempo were a better side. They attacked in numbers and created chances throughout. In the 52nd minute, Laximanrao Rane missed an easy chance when he was set through on goal with just the keeper in front. Having the option of lobbing the ball, he went for a low shot, which went wide.
Guardian Angel players looked shaky in defence and in the 58th minute they nearly conceded the third when a defender gave away the ball to Necio but the Guardian Angel keeper made a timely tackle to clear the ball.
At the hour mark, Dempo saw another chance go begging. Suraj Handkonkar’s corner found Pedro in the box but the experienced player failed to keep his header on target. If it wasn’t for Oswin, Guardian Angel would have been down by more goals as he made another save in the last quarter of the game to deny Dempo’s Rane, who had Necio as an option on the right but chose to go on his own. Later, Necio also saw his effort saved by Oswin.
But in the 67 minute, Sairon Albuerqueque headed in Suraj's corner to make it 3-0. Dempo SC consolidated the lead in the next minute with Necio scoring with a low grounder. In the 70th minute, Suraj completed his brace. After getting a pass from the midfield, the lad ran on the right flank and smashed in from the right to make it 5-0.
Pedro bagged the Man of the match award, which was given by Yatish Dempo and GFA President Dr Caitano Fernandes.
