Dempo escape relegation trap with 5-2 thumping of Aizawl

Margao: Marcus Joseph scored his second hat-trick this season as Dempo SC overcame the challenge of Aizawl FC 5-2 and escaped to safety in the I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday.
Pruthvesh Pednekar (16’) and Vinay Harji (78’) were the other scorers for Dempo. Aizawl reduced the margin after Zothanpuia’s header in the 33rd minute while Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga scored in added-on time.
With two rounds left to be played, Dempo remained ninth but most importantly moved to 25 points. They are now safe from relegation. Aizawl are second last with Delhi FC already relegated. The Mizoram side are on 19 points and will face a tough fight with tenth-placed Sporting Club Bengaluru (20 pts) to avoid the drop.
The visitors, champions of the 2017 edition, started aggressively in the hope of changing their fortunes. It were Aizawl who came close first, early in the game, when Lalfelkima’s cross was headed just wide by Laltlanzova.
Dempo did take time to find their rhythm and when things had settled down, Samir Naik’s side looked threatening every time they moved forward.
The home side then got the breakthrough. Christian Damian Perez sent in a poor delivery after a corner. Aizawl goalkeeper MD Rafique fisted the ball away. However, it fell straight back at Damian, and this time, the Argentine sent in a perfect cross as defender Pruthvesh headed home the opener.
Aizawl needed to regroup, and they came close with an equaliser, only for Dempo custodian Ashish Sibi to push away Samuel Lalmuanpuia’s promising freekick.
Aizawl got another opportunity after a defensive lapse but Laltlanzova couldn’t keep his shot on target.
At the other end, Dempo scored their second after a good build up. Seigoumang Doungle crossed to Marcus and the Trinidadian played the ball back to Damian. The latter took his time and found space to find Marcus with a through ball and the striker finished with a powerful left-footed grounder for his eighth goal of the season.
Just before the half an hour mark, Marcus could have another one, but he aimed straight at Rafique in a one-on-one situation.
In the 33rd minute, Aizawl won a freekick and Samuel sent in a dangerous ball which was headed by Zothanpuia.
Dempo reorganised quickly and Damian came close when he unleashed a powerful shot which the rival keeper initially fumbled but then made a goalline clearance.
At the hour mark, Ashish came to Dempo’s rescue yet again with a diving save to deny Samuel from a set piece.
In the 75th minute, Dempo finally had their third. Substitute Kapil Hoble delivered a perfect corner to the far post where Marcus headed in for the insurance goal.
Three minutes later, Rafique committed a blunder when his pass fell straight to Vinay and the midfielder took advantage with a calm and composed finish.
Aizawl did reduce the margin in added time through Lalbiakdika. But Dempo were not done and launched a counter as substitute Shubham Rawat set up Marcus for his hat-trick.
Dempo next face Real Kashmir FC on Saturday and then travel to take on Gokulam Kerala in their final game of the season on April 4.