By Sporting Clube de Goa Media

GOA: Two goals from Akeraj Martins in each of the half’s helped Sporting to overcome Dempo SC 2 – 0 in the U-18 I-League match played at Navelim Ground on Friday. Sporting came up with a clinical performance controlling most of the 90 minutes with their goal keeper Sherwin Da Cunha having a rather relaxed evening.

Initial phase of the first half was well balanced as both teams were reluctant to take any undue risk. Barring a few long range attempts by either side, the first 30 minutes witnessed more of a cautious game play. In the 31^st minute Flaming Oranje accelerated the pace, which saw Akeraj combine well with Harshad Naik and Daryl Costa on the flanks to create some good movements.

The first goal of the match came when a well directed cross from the mid landed near Harshad Naik who saw his attempt being bravely denied by the Dempo keeper, however Akeraj Martins who was lurking in the 16 yard box smartly latched on to the rebound and give Sporting the much needed lead.

The second half saw a more ruthless Sporting unit as they dominated the game and kept winning crucial tackles to frustrate Dempo. They almost doubled the lead well within 5 minutes from the kick off when Jesmon Soares was served a ball on the platter only to see a miss timed shot go high up into the sky’s.

Second goal came late in the 78^th minute when Akeraj Martins stunned the Dempo defense by creating a goal out of nowhere dribbling into the box flooded with blue shirts. His powerful right footed shot sailed past everyone into the top corner of the nets to give Sporting the two goal advantage in the closing stages of the match.

Sporting had another glorious opportunity in the injury time when the second half substitute Delbert Fernandes came up with some stunning footwork in the Dempo box leaving him face to face against the keeper. Delbert calmly placed the ball towards the left corner only to see it roll inches away from the post; however the attempt was largely appreciated by the crowd gathered.