Ryuji''s double strike floors Dempo �������

Margao, Jan 19 (PTI) Ryuji Sueoka scored twice asSalgaocar came from behind to record a 3-1 win over defendingchampions Dempo and move to second place, in a 10th roundI-League match at the Nehru Stadium here today.

After Sueoka cancelled Kalu Ogba''s third minute strike inthe 32nd minute, Salgaocar took control of the match andscored�through Francis Fernandes (65th), before Sueoka�sealedthe fate by converting a penalty in the 80th minute.

Salgaocar, who lost to Mohun Bagan in their previousmatch, started in a whirlwind fashion playing quick, shortpasses and had the first chance early in thesecond minute, but Marcus Mascarenhas'' shot went straight tothe rival keeper.

Dempo made a counter move and scored a minute later.

Following a flag kick from the right, Debabrata Roy floatedthe ball into the goal where Kalu Ogba found the corner of thenet with a firm header.

However, Salgaocar did not lose hope after the setbackand quickly regrouped.

Sueoka, who played as a withdrawn striker, combined withTomba Singh to spearhead the attack and, with good supportfrom the flanks -- Anthony Barbosa and Francis Fernandes --Salgaocar kept the rival defence under pressure.

Singh and Barbosa took shots in turn but�failed to directthe ball on target. Dempo custodian Laxmikant Kattimani had tostretch himself to keep the slate clean as he put out shotsfrom Sueoka and a header from Barbosa.(More) PTI MCS VKV

The Dempo citadel finally fell in the 32nd minute. Barbosa, from the right flank, sent a cross into the boxwhere Dempo defender John Dias, who showed sign of nerves,tried to clear the ball with his head�but the ball fell on thepath of Sueoka who outjumped Domnic Noronha to head the ballinto the net beating Kattimani''s outstretched hands.

Salgaocar continued to hold a firm grip in the midfieldafter the change of ends and took the lead in the 56th minute.

Sueoka from the middle relayed the ball to FrancisFernandes on the left who dribbled past a couple of defendersand drilled an angular drive that beat keeper Kattimani.

Ryuji then assured Salgaocar full points when he scoredhis second goal, in the 80th minute, through a penalty.

The penalty was awarded after defender Marcus Peixotobrought down Anthony Barbosa inside the box and referee PratapSingh had no hesitation in pointing to the dreaded spot.

Singh showed yellow card to Salgaocar''s Sueoka,substitute Milagres Gonsalves and Dempo''s Marcus Peixoto andKalu Ogba.

Following today''s win, Salgaocar regained their secondspot after taking their tally to 21 points from 10 matches.

Dempo remained on fourth place with 16 points.