Defending champions Dempo edged past a fighting Vasco 2-1 to register their first victory in the ONGC [Get Quote] I-league, at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda, Goa [Images], on Sunday.

Dempo scored both their goals in the first-half, through Roberto Silva (24th minute) and Ranty Martins (30th minute).

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Dempo, who lost to JCT in their first match, have three points from two matches, while Vasco, who suffered their second defeat, have one from three.

Vasco, who showed lot of fighting qualities, reduced the margin through their Uzbekistan striker, Ravshan Teshabaev.

The victory was a morale boost for Dempo who play Safa Club of Lebanon in the second leg semi-final of the AFC Cup on October 21.

Dempo defender Sameer Naik was declared the man of the match.