Silveira gives Dempo victory

A 75th minute goal by substitute Francis Silveira guided Dempo to a solitary goal victory over Vasco in the Oil PSU-seventh National Football League, at the Nehru stadium, in Goa, on Saturday.

The victory enabled Dempo gain three points from their opening match and earn sweet revenge for the two defeats they suffered in the Goa Professional League.

Dempo dominated the first-half after coming close to scoring thrice. They scored the all-important goal in the 75th minute through 'Pocket' Silveira, who had been taken on loan from Fransa Sports Club.

Defender Melvin Rodrigues advanced on the left after receiving a fine through from Bijen Singh and sent long diagonal cross to the unmarked Silveira, who headed home to the far post.

Silveira, who was joint highest scorer in the Professional League, came in after the breather and could have increased the lead a minute after scoring but his well-directed shot was thwarted by 'keeper Rogerio Ramos.

Vasco failed to combine as a team in the first-half but found their rhythm in the second-half and made inroads into the Dempo half with a barrage of raids through striker Rui Wanderley Weis and Marcos Pereira. But 'keeper Francis Fernandes stood firm.

Vasco maintained the pressure but were unlucky on three occasions when woodwork came to the rescue of Dempo, denying Rui Wanderley Weis, Marcose and Nitin Pradhan a chance to get their names on the score sheet.

Complete Coverage: 7th National Football League 2002-03