Margao: Dempo SC retained the Pro League Kingfisher title after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Churchill Brothers in their last match of the Goa's Professional League, played at Nehru Stadium here today.
Dempo, who needed a draw to be crowned the Champion after they were tied with Sporting Clube de Goa on 26 points, took the lead in the 8th minute when Joaquim Abranches headed home after Debrata Roy floated a flag kick from the right.
Churchill Brothers regrouped and came close in finding the equaliser twice but Sabino Rodrigues and Nicholas Fernandes failed to beat the rival keeper Tyson Caido.
Thereafter, Dempo Jesssel Carneiro had a good chance to increase the lead but failed to direct his shot on target.
Churchill Brothers found the equaliser in the 37th minute when Vimal Pariyar tapped in a cross from Sabino Rodrigues.
The change of ends saw both the teams fought on equal terms with Churchill coming close to score when Lenny Rodrigues shot from top of the box but was put out to safety by rival keeper Tyson Caido and later Jaison Valles shot straight into the hands of the keeper.
Earlier, Dempo came with a counter move in the 54th minute when a cross from the left by Nicholau Borges cross was met by Joaquim Abranches but alert rival keeper Lalit Thapa did well to put out the ball.
Dempo thus finished their league engagement with 27 points from 14 matches, one point clear over Sporting Clube de Goa to clinch the title for the fourth time.
Churchill Brothers finished fourth with 23 points from as many matches.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, June 04, 2011, 20:49