Dempo thrash Viva Kerala 4-0

Dempo kept their unbeaten run intact at the end of the first leg when they thrashed Viva Kerala with a 4-0 win in the ONGC I-league, played at the Nehru Stadium here today. Dempo, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through Valeriano Rebello (34th), Ranti Martins (61st), substitute Clifton Gonsalves (63rd) and Roberto Silva (71st).

Dempo finished their first leg and are at the top of the table with 21 points from 9 matches, two points clear of JCT who have 19 points. Viva Kerala remained on 7 points from as many matches. Dempo’s Anthony Pereira, who gave a good account of

himself on the right flank, was instrumental in two of the goals scored was declared the Man of the Match. Dempomade their intention clear, probing the rival half mostly from the right but could not get their act together once they reached the danger zone or could not get past keeper M V Nelson, who effected two good saves from Edeh Chidi.

Dempo took the lead in the 34th minute. Defender Sameer Naik floated the ball to Valeriano Rebello on the top of the box of a flag kick from the left who positioned himself before unleashing a shot that deflected a defender and found the net. Viva Kerala came close to scoring once but keeper Satish Kumar came right in time to punch the ball away denying Baba Tunde from heading in off a cross by Satheesh Kumar from the right.