Salgaocar break three-year jinx

Salgaocar pounded former champions Dempo SC 2-0 in the 20th round of the I-League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday. The last time they beat Dempo was back in 2011.

After being held 1-1 in their first leg in Mapusa, Salgaocar netted twice in the first session through Bikash Jairu and Darryl Duffy.

With this win, Salgaocar climbed to the second position with 33 points, four points behind table-toppers Bengaluru FC (37 points). Both the teams improved their game in the second leg of the tournament scoring seven goals and conceding only one in the last four matches.

"Our two early goals set the tempo for us," said Salgaocar coach Derrick Pereira, who also praised goalkeeper Karanjeet Singh for his crucial saves.

" I would say Karanjeet was outstanding, and the save in the 44th minute was the game changer, despite the fact that we were leading 2-0. T hat could have turned the table on us," he added.

Dempo coach Arthur Papas said: "We had possession during entire game but could not convert the chances. I think we played well and were unfortunate to lose. The credit should also go to Salgaocar who made most of their chances."

Stopwatch: Salgaocar SC 2 (B Jairu 18', D Duffy 23') bt Dempo SC 0