Players of Dempo SC and Sporting vie for the ball during the Goa Professional League, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco.
PANAJI
Sporting Clube de Goa played their hearts out but suffered a solitary-goal defeat against Dempo SC in the Goa Professional League at Tilak Maidan, here, on Wednesday.
Sporting’s defence was put to the test in the first session as Dempo’s young side created all problems with their pace.
Faseen PK scored the winner in the 47th minute for Dempo but despite Sporting’s dominance, a goal eluded them.
Dempo moved on top of the standings with 37 points from 19 games. Sporting are fourth with 34 points.
In the initial moments, Sporting custodian Bhaskar Jalmi gave the ball away after a clearance. However, Bhaskar made amends as he thwarted an attempt by Dempo forward Arnold Oliveira.
Dempo came close again in the 18th minute when Aaron Bareto got the better of Bhaskar but luckily, his shot hit the side-netting.
Sporting took time to get into their rhythm but when they did, Dempo were on the back foot.
Doyal Alves came close, but his shot lacked power while Lloyd Mascarenhas’ attempt before the break lacked direction.
Dempo broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half when defender Faseen’s grounder evaded a diving Bhaskar.
Sporting had to regroup and had a chance just before the hour mark, but Vidipt Dua's close header was cleared for a corner. Then a loud shout for a Dempo handball went unanswered.
Sporting went all out in the final quarter but couldn’t find the equaliser.
Churchill Bros sink Panjim Footballers
Elsewhere, Roger Pereira broke the deadlock in the 14th minute for Churchill, before Shario Gomes doubled their advantage five minutes before the interval to seal all three points for the Red Machines.
It was a lively start to proceedings, with both sides seeing yellow inside the opening exchanges - Roger Pereira for Churchill and Maresto Fernandes for Panjim receiving cautions from the referee.
Despite that early caution, it was Pereira who drew first blood for Churchill, firing them ahead with a neat finish midway through the first half.
Panjim sought a response, but it was Churchill who continued to look the more threatening, and they duly extended their lead five minutes before the break through Shario Gomes' well-taken strike.
With a two-goal cushion, Churchill were largely untroubled in the second period, comfortably keeping Panjim at bay to secure the seventh win of their Goa Professional League campaign.
The win sees Churchill Brothers hop to the ninth spot, while for Panjim, the defeat leaves them still searching for their second win of the season.
