Dempo Sports Club went down fighting in their crucial league match against Goan FC 0-2 in the Goa Football Association Goa Professional League match thus giving away the title to the FC Goa Development Squad at Dempo Academy ground, Ella-Old Goa, on Monday.

Dempo SC finished the league campaing with 51 points while Goan FC finished the table with 54 points from 22 outings. Former Dempo SC player Hayden Fernandes and Lalawmpuia scored for the winners as both goals were scored in the first session.

Playing at their home ground, Dempo Sports Club started the match on front foot and had the first real chance in the eight minute when U20 player Floyd found Pedro in the box, but the latter couldn’t keep his composure infront of the goal as he shot off target with only the keeper at his mercy.

However, soon, Goan FC took charge off the game and almost took the lead when a Savio Gama free-kick hit the cross bar and then hit the surprised Dempo SC keeper Tyson Ciadoo before going for a corner. But this time around, Tyson came with a brilliant save to deny Savio Gama’s header from the corner kick.

Riding on the fan support, Goan FC took control of the game and once again came close to scoring but Lalawmpuia’s long range effort hit the cross bar.

Suddenly Dempo SC were on the back foot as they defence started to fumble. Goan FC Kingslee played Serineo on goal but Dempo SC keeper Tyson came up with yet another save to keep his team in the game.

At the other end, Dempo SC had a rare opportunity when Abranches pounced on Goan FC Meldon Silva’s poor pass and took a powerful shot which was saved by the Goan keeper.

Goan FC took the lead in the 23rd minute when Hayden took 30 yard shot which had no answer from the keeper.

Dempo SC needed a win to the title, but Goan FC were all prepared to fight for the three points. In the 38th minute, Goan FC doubled the account to make the matters safe when Dempo SC’s last defender Edwin gave a wrong pass to Goan FC’s Liston who played it across to Lalawmpuia for the team’s second goal. In the second half, Dempo SC started brightly and came close to scoring when Floyd tried his luck from the box, but the rival keeper saved it. In the 59th minute, Goan FC were reduced to 10 man when Savior Gama was sent off for his reckless takle on Kritikesh. However, despite being a man down, Goan FC managed to hold on to the scoreline and also record a clean sheet with a 2-0 win.