Dempo dump Mohan Bagan 1-0, heads table with 36 pts

Margao, May 18 (UNI) Holders Dempo Sports Club played true to reputation to edge out Kolkatan giants Mohan Bagan 1-0 to finish at the top of the table with 36 points in their last round match in the 11th ONGC Cup National Football League here today.

Dempo, who are keen to claim the NFL title before a home crowd, scored the all important goal in the 63rd minute through Renty Martin. Renty, after collecting a pass from Jerry Zirsga, dodged past a couple of rival defenders, deceived goal-keeper Shilton, and banged into the net to make it 1-0.

Dempo, with its last league match, has 11 wins from 18 outings, three draws and four defeats. Dempo has collected a total of 36 points to remain at the top. Mohan Bagan remained on the same 21 points from an equal number of outings.

Today's match did not rise upto the expections, but Dempo enjoyed an edge in the first half and could have won by a much bigger margin had they utilised the couple of gilt-edged opportunites before them.

In the 38th minute, a Renty Martin header missed the mark narrowly off a flag kick from Clifford Miranda. Three minutes later, Roberto Silva's free kick was well saved by Bagan goalkeeper.

Mohan Bagan key forwards Bhaichung Bhutia and Jose Baretto were tightly marked by Dempo's defenders Sameer Naik and John Dias and were not allowed to settle down during the major part of the play.

There was not much of action in the second half except for the winning goal scored by Dempo's Renty Martin. Dempo's Clifford Miranda was later adjudged the Man-of-the-Match.

UNI