Defending champions Dempo Sports Club turned in a crisp display to trounce Mumbai [Images] FC 3-0 in a 15th round match of the ONGC [Get Quote] I-League at the Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa [Images], on Friday.
The home side went ahead in the 20th minute when a combined move between Anthony Pereira and Roberto Mendis Silva down the middle saw the latter release the ball to an unmarked Ranty Martins, who scored with a stiff grounder.
Eight minutes later, Dempo increased the lead when a measured cross by Anthony Pereira from the right was met by man of the match Clifford Miranda with a diving header.
Two goals up at the breather, Dempo called the shots in the second session too but had to wait till the 83rd minute to add to the tally, when substitute Clifton Gonsalves found the net from close off a pass from substitute Jerry Zirsanga.
Dempo could have won by a bigger margin had it not been for Mumbai FC goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey, who brought of good saves off Martins, Silva and Sameer Naik.
The victory swelled Dempo's tally to 22 points from 15 matches while Mumbai FC remain in fourth place, one above, with 23 points.