I-League: Salgaocar demolish Air India

Salgaocar Football Club scored a resounding 4-0 win over Air India in the 13th round of the I-League to put their campaign back on track, in Goa on Sunday.

Playing for the first time at the Duler Stadium which now has artificial turf, Salgaocar adapted well to the slow surface and scored four goals through a brace each from Milagres Gonsalves (21th, 26th) and Augustin Fernandes (22nd, 35th) in the first half to end the visitors' challenge.

East Bengal ended their first phase campaign on a winning note blanking Pailan Arrows 3-0 to revive their I-League title hopes.

After a jittery start, East Bengal drew the first blood in the 44th minute when Robin Singh's left-footer went in.

East Bengal completely dominated the proceedings in the second-half with captain Sanju Pradhan striking a double (55th and 86th minute) to hand them their first win after four matches.

Their last win had come more than a month ago in the 8th round when they defeated Salgaocar by a solitary goal more than a month ago.

East Bengal now have 24 points from 12 matches, while the AIFF developmental outfit remained on 14.

Defending champions Dempo stayed at the top of the heap, but the Armando Colaco's team yet again saw the margin of their lead being reduced as Mumbai FC held them to a goalless draw in Pune.

There was no denying that Khalid Jamil's Mumbai FC played much superior game to douse the Dempo firepower that is usually seen. Mumbai stuck to their plan and fortified their defence first as they took the field leaving Dempo very little room to manoeuvre.

Mumbai FC, which have won five and drawn two of their last seven I-League ties at home, were the better of the two teams over the 90 minutes having created more chances, keeping the defending champions at bay and nullifying their short and quick passing game.

The result meant Dempo are still hanging on to the top berth with 29 points while Mumbai FC are at 5th spot with 20 points.