By I-League Media

GANGTOK: Dempo SC, the most decorated club in Indian professional football, set off the final round of the Second Division League with a fine victory over the debutants Gangtok Himalayan SC at the Paljor Stadium, thanks to the solitary goal scored by the sensational attacker Mandar Rao Desai in the 75th minute.

Dempo SC, in their first outing away from their home, started with Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes along with Uttam Rai at the upfront. Debabrata Roy, Shallum Pires and Peter Carvalho hardly faced any problem in the defense to contain the attacking moves catered by the Gangtok boys.

The game started at a great pace as both were trying to get an early lead but defenders averted all the efforts and there was nothing to differentiate between the teams at the breather.

After the lemon break, Dempo SC gaffer Mauricio Afonso opted to introduce Germaanpreet Singh at the expense of Jewel Raja, who eventually played the pivotal role setting in the goal for Mandar Rao Desai in the 75th minute.

With the away win, Dempo have risen top of the table and now they will travel to Imphal to take on Neroca FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium on 2nd April.