Dempo thrash Chirag United 4-0

Ranty Martins' brace guided Dempo to an impressive 4-0 win over Chirag United in the ONGC I-League match at Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday.

Dempo took the lead through Martins as early as the seventh minute. They doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time through Joaquim Abranches.

Roberto Mendes D'silva then made it 3-0 in the 60th minute followed by Martins' second goal seven minutes to complete a crushing victory for the home team

The impressive win put Dempo back into their winning ways as they collected 11 points from eight matches, while Chirag United remained on eight points from eight matches.

Dempo coach Armando Colaco was delighted that his team managed to convert the chances that came their way.

"The victory is the perfect gift to assistant coach Mauricio Afonso who celebrated his birthday today," Colaco said.

Dempo, who badly needed a victory to shore up their sagging morale, dominated the match throughout with their strikers and midfielders playing in unison as they prowled into their rival half constantly.

They took the lead in the seventh minute when Martins headed in a cross from Joaquim Abranches from the right. Abranches then missed a header in the 23rd minute off a cross from Anthony Pereira. United keeper Gopal Das came to his side's rescue twice to deny Abranches from scoring.

Roberto Mendes D'silva, who controlled the midfield well along with climax Lawrence, saw his free kick blocked by keeper Das, and the rebound fell at the feet of Abranches who shot into the net gave Dempo 2-0 up at half time.

Dempo continued to enjoy superiority after the change of ends and swelled the lead in the 60th minute when man of the match Roberto Mendes D'silva flicked the ball into the net off a corner kick taken by Anthony Pereira.

Martins then rounded off the tally in the 67th minute off a combined move among substitute Clifton Gonsalves, Anthony Pereira and Roberto D'silva.