I-League: Dempo surrender two-goal lead, lose against Sreenidi

Margao: Dempo SC surrendered their two-goal lead in a second half collapse as they lost 2-3 against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here, on Tuesday.
Everything was going according to plan for Dempo in the first half. They restricted Sreenidi’s movements, defended strongly and enjoyed a two-goal lead after Marcus Joseph (8’) scored in his third straight game and helped Jaun Mera (45+5’) double the advantage before break.
All they had to do was stay strong in the second half, but Sreenidi had other plans and left them stunned with three goals in 16 minutes.
The credit goes to David Castaneda. The Colombian forward who is in his third season at Sreenidi, scored a quick brace in the 53rd and 59th minutes and then graciously set up Brandon Vanlalremdika (69’) for the winner.
Dempo remained ninth with 19 points from 16 games. Sreenidi remained unchanged in the eighth spot but took their points tally to 22.
Dempo started confidently as they passed the ball with ease, switching flanks. They were missing Syrian defender Shaher Shaheen due to injury and experienced Shallum Pires filled in the void, alongside Mohamed Ali.
The visitors, however, created the first chance of the game in the fifth minute. Sreenidi forward Angel Gabriel cut past two Dempo defenders before his close-range effort was blocked by keeper Ashish Sibi.
Three minutes later, Dempo responded in style as Marcus put them ahead with a fine header from Juan’s assist.
Sreenidi tried everything to get back into the game, but Dempo remained organised.
Five minutes before the break, David did come close, but he found himself in a narrow angle to finish the half volley. Then Brandon’s cross was a bit high as David’s header sailed over the Dempo crossbar.
In the meantime, Dempo turned their focus to attack and doubled their advantage. Christian Damian Perez did well to win the ball in midfield and put Marcus through. The latter twisted, turned and fired in a grounder which goalkeeper Aryan Lamba stretched to keep it away.
However, Juan showed good presence of mind to follow on and tap in the rebound.
Dempo were optimistic in the second half and didn’t want a fourth straight draw.
But Sreenidi were determined to upset their opponents.
In the 53rd minute, Sreenidi gained a freekick and Angel delivered a dangerous ball into the box where David leaped highest to head it home.
Dempo were stunned again at the hour mark when David got his second with another fine finish.
In the 69th minute, Angel and David combined once again to set up Brandon for Sreenidi’s winner.
Angel received the ball in midfield and laid it for David. The Colombian could shoot himself to complete his hattrick, but instead unselfishly squared the ball for onrushing Brandon for an easy tap in.