I-League: Ranti Martins blitz gives East Bengal memorable win over Dempo

Margao: Ranti Martins scored five goals including a hatrick as East Bengal inflicted a humiliating 5-1 defeat over Dempo to move to fifth place in the the Hero I-League football tournament here on Sunday.

East Bengal, who led 2-1 at half time, scored all the five goals through Martins.

Dempo fought back after conceding two early goals but fell apart through Ranti's brilliant performance. However, they pulled one back through Carlos Hernandez from a penalty in the 27th minute.

Dempo earned a penalty when Francis Fernandes was brought down inside the box by defender Deepak Mondal and referee showed him yellow card. Hernandes found the net, beating keeper to his left in the 27th minute.

Dempo kept on the pressure and had two clear chance to find the equaliser but first Leny Rodrigues weak shot was saved by diving keeper Mondal and later Hernandez's header went straight into the keeper's hands.

The win is a shot in the arm for coach Eelco Schattorie who got the first win after taking over the reign from Armando Colaco as they now move to fifth place with 12 points from seven matches. Dempo remain on seven points from seven matches.