MARGAO
Sudeva Delhi FC salvaged a goalless draw against former champions Dempo Sports Club in the I-League 2 match, at Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi, on Wednesday.
In a sedate first half, Dempo floundered several chances to open the scoring,as their wingers wreaked havoc on the visitors. Having fallen out off the win seemed to have dampened spirits as the Dempo forwards lacked the killer touch.
Dempo slowly grew into the game and even threatened via the solo exploits of striker Shubham Rawat whose shot kissed the crossbar. The best chance fell to VS Sreekuttan whose diving header from K Abhijith’s cross went agonisingly wide.
The attacking midfielder Necio Fernandes gave advantage in the each halves and they increased the possession of the ball even without creating much with the ball.
But it wasn't to be the Golden Eagles' day as their forwards were unlucky when Necio Fernandes' attempt from Laxmiinrao Rane's cross from right side, kissed the cross bar midway in the opening session. Sudeva Delhi FC were lacklusture against the committed Dempo side.
The Eagles had more of the possession and strung together a few threatening moves. They continued after change of ends to press forward in pursuit of an opener and had one of their biggest chances of the game just before the hour-mark when Laxmiinrao Rane fed Necio Fernandes whose rasping shot hit the crossbar and was left frustrated.
Necio and Doungel combined again early in the second half with Rane crossing for Necio who rifled from angle but watched his effort sail over the crossbar.
The series of squandered chances continued for Dempo as Necio Fernandes and Doungel after breaking free and finding their way inside the box saw their attempts finish into the near corner.
At the other end, Sudeva Delhi FC's only half chance throughout the tournament came when Ashish was well policed by the strong Dempo defence.
With this draw, Dempo collected 11 points from as many outings while Sudeva Delhi FC stay with 7 points.
