Third Division: Marcus nets winner as Sporting pip Dempo to qualify

Vasco: Marcus Mascarenhas scored the all-important goal as Sporting Clube de Goa defeated Dempo SC 1-0 to seal qualification to the Second Division I-League at Tilak Maidan, here, on Thursday.

As expected, the Goan derby was intense. Dempo had more chances but were wasteful. On the other hand, Sporting held on to the ball better but struggled to create openings. But when they did create a promising move in the 59th minute, veteran striker Marcus grabbed it with both hands and punished Dempo.

Out of the five teams in the Third Division playoffs, three sides qualify for the Second Division. Sporting Clube and Sporting Club Bengaluru have already qualified, while Dempo can confirm their spot if they put it across bottom-placed KLASA FC in the concluding clash on Saturday.

The teams started aggressively, knowing that a win would help them progress. Dempo were boosted with the return of Seigoumang Doungle after a one-match suspension and the winger helped in creating the first move only for Desmon Pereira to head over.

Subsequently, Dempo had another chance when Necio Fernandes’ corner found Mohamed Ali but the centre-back couldn’t keep his header on target.

In the 25th minute, Dempo were unlucky again when Sporting keeper Bhaskar Jalmi couldn’t make a clean collection off a long ball by Sanwil D’Costa. With Bhaskar rooted on the ground, Desmon chipped towards goal, but Sporting centre-back Joyner Lourenco came to his side's rescue with a goal-line clearance.

Dempo’s agony extended further when Necio’s curler missed the mark narrowly and then the midfielder’s powerful effort was saved by Bhaskar.

The trend continued in the second half as Dempo lacked finishing after unmarked Vasim Inamdar headed wide off a Necio corner.

And Sporting made them pay in quick time.

Substitute Ivon Costa gave life to Sporting’s midfield and provided a delightful through ball to Joyson Gauncar on the right flank. Joyson moved swiftly but took his time and then spotted Marcus, who rushed into the box and pierced a right-footer in Dempo’s goal.

Earlier in the day, Sporting Club Bengaluru defeated Kerala United 2-1 to move second with seven points from four games.