Dempo extended their winning streak as they demolished Shillong Lajong 5-0 for their seventh straight win in their seventh round I-League match at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.
Dempo, who were 3-0 up at half time, scored through Man of the Match Anthony Pereira (4th minute, 35th), Koko Sakibo (23rd), Ranty Martins (50th) and Clifford Miranda (52nd).
Dempo were aggressive from the beginning as they played with quick short passes followed by long balls from the flanks that caught the rival defense napping.
Pereira worked with perfect understanding with Ranty Martins and Sameer Naik on the right flank, which saw him score two goals.
Trying to match their fancied rivals, the visitors also played an attacking game, leaving lots of gaps in the process, which Dempo exploited.
A quick built-up on the right saw defender Naik relay the ball to Ranty who back healed it to Anthony Pereira. Pereira quickly adjusted himself after getting past a defender and on the run, let go a left footer from inside the box beating rival keeper Soram Anganba.
The North Eastern side made counter moves and nearly succeeded in finding the equaliser in the 14th minute but Zenith's powerful shot from the top of the box off John's pass was fisted over the bar by Dempo keeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury.
Pereira, who switched himself on the left flank, sent a pass to Koko Saikobo who sliced through the rival defence and beat the keeper to find the back of the net.
Dempo continued to put pressure and held midfield superiority, further swelling their lead in the 35th minute.