By Dempo SC Media

IMPHAL: Dempo SC missed a chance to extend their lead at the top as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Neroca FC in their second match on the road in the Second Division League at the Khuman Lampak stadium in Imphal today. Neroca FC scored in either half of play through David KC Ngaihte and second half substitute Seikhohao Tubai.
The win takes Neroca FC to the top of the table with four points while Dempo SC drop to the second spot with three points.

The Goan outfit conceded both the goals due to their defensive errors. The first goal came in the 15th minute when Mandar Rao Desai failed to close down Neroca’s winger and David KC Ngaihte converted the resultant delivery from inside the box.

Dempo did have their bit of chances but Romeo and Mandar failed to convert their chances. Romeo romped from the left flank but shot straight at the defender from a touching distance after being laid by Uttam Rai. On the half-hour mark, it was Mandar who shot wide with the only keeper at his mercy. Neroca FC headed towards the dressing room with a 1 goal lead at the break.

Coach Mauricio made three substitutes in the final quarter to find the much-needed goal in the likes of Holicharan Narzary, Germanpreet, and Beevan D’Mello at the expense of Uttam Rai, Peter Carvalho and Mandar Rao Dessai which indeed helped the visitors to mount pressure on the opposition.

In the dying minutes of the second half, Neroca FC doubled their lead through Seikhohao Tuboi, who came on the pitch just minutes before. Having collected a long ball from the defense, Seikhohao Tubai netted their second goal just seconds before the final whistle.

Dempo SC coach Mauricio Afonso was content with the team’s performance, “The boys played well. Nothing is over with this defeat. We have plenty of positive to take from this match.” He added more, “Positive result today could have boosted our spirit but never mind we are now looking forward to our next match against Mohammedan Sporting at Kolkata.”