Dempo Sports Club registered a narrow 1-0 win over Sporting Clube de Goa in the CAM Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Jaison Vaz scored the only goal of the game in the 70th minute, minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Dempo SC leapfrog Salgaocar FC at the top with 12 points from five games while the Flaming Oranje, who suffered their second defeat of the season in four games are on six points from four outings.
Dempo SC started with new signings Antonio Da Silva in goal who made a return to the club on loan while Beneston Barreto played as a striker.
Dempo SC started the match on the attacking mode and had a series of attempts throughout the game. The combination of Necio Fernandes and Beneston Barreto was too strong for Sporting as they conceded early shots on goal. First Necio saw his effort being kept out of goal by Sporting Clube keeper Sanij Bugde and then Beneston had his attempt too, which was dealt by the keeper.
Dempo had the best chance when Necio managed to break into the Sporting Clube de Goa box and dribbled past the defence as well as the keeper, however, his weak left-foot shot was cleared from the goalmouth by the Sporting Clube de Goa defence.
Beneston Barreto had another opportunity when a pass from the right wing found him at the edge of the box, however, his effort was saved by the rival keeper. Beneston Barreto earlier, missed a one-on-one attempt where Sanij once again came with a fine block.
At the other end, Antonio Da Silva made crucial saves to keep his side in the game. The custodian came off the goalline to clear a dangerous cross sent in by Rohan Rodrigues and later thwarted Llyod Cardozo.
Dempo SC finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute through a 69th minute second half substitute Jaison, who came on in the game in place of Beneston. The striker, on receiving a pass on the right, dribbled down the right flank and slammed in a curling shot, past the helpless keeper, 1-0.
Sporting Clube came close late in the game which saw Nickson Castanha miss his freekick by inches.
Dempo’s Antonio bagged the man of the match award which was presented by Danira Vaz.
