Young Pailan Arrows score a surprise 2-0 win away to champions Dempo

Pailan Arrows notched their most significant victory since the young guns were brought together as they beat reigning champions Dempo SC 2-0 at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Saturday night. Arthur Papas' young but energetic side gave an excellent account of themselves as goals from Holicharan Narzary and Alwyn George in either half did the job.

The defending champions have now lost an incredible five matches in a row, their worst run since the start of the I-League and the worst performance by any team in the last five rounds.

Pailan Arrows got a dream start when Holicharan Narzary put the visitors ahead, thanks to some smart thinking. Narzary's initial header came of the post in the second minute itself but he still showed great presence of mind as he sneaked into the Dempo area and tapped the ball past Dempo goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani for the opening goal.

But the opening goal woke up Dempo as the defending champions did not seem rattled. They tried to stitch passes together and get back into the groove but the central midfield pairing of Peter Carvalho and Climax Lawrence never got going forcing coach Armando Colaco to replace Lawrence with Godwin Franco in the first half itself. Even that did not help.

At the other end, Pailan Arrows were piling on the pressure. Their quick runs gave the Dempo defenders a harrowing time with Cresson Antao and Rowilson Rodrigues working overtime to keep the attacks at bay.

In the second session, Nigerian striker Koko Sakibo and captain Clifford Miranda tried to work their magic and came close to scoring. But when Cresson Antao was booked for the second time in the 54th minute, Dempo's fate was sealed as they were down to 10 men.

Dempo substitutes Joy Ferrao and John Meyongar combined to bring Dempo on level terms but goalkeeper Shayan Roy proved equal to the challenge. And when Dempo were surging ahead in search of the equaliser, Pailan Arrows caught them on the break. This time it was Seiminlen Doungel who sent a delightful cross from the left for Alwyn George to head home the second goal.

It was a hard victory for Pailan Arrows but entirely deserving, and that too against the defending champions.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)