Dempo still on top with 2-0 win over 10-man Pailan

Kolkata: Ranti Martins struck a brace as Goa's Dempo Sports Club consolidated their place at the top of the I-League table with a 2-0 win over ten-man Pailan Arrows here Sunday.

After a goalless first half, Martins found the mark in the 53rd and 83rd minutes at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan.

Pailan had to play with a man short for 56 minutes after their goalkeeper Naveen Kumar was sent off in the 34th minute.

The youngsters of Pailan started off on an attacking note but suffered a big blow when Naveen rushed out of the box and brought down Dempo upfronter Koko and was given marching orders.

Crossing over, Dempo went into the lead when Ranti netted a cross from Valeriano Rebello.

Ranti scored the insurance goal seven minutes from close with a net finishing off a cross from Anthony Periera.

After 20 games, Dempo have now moved up to 43 points. Pailan, on the other hand, occupy the 13h and penultimate slot with eight points from 18 outings.

IANS