Dempo's chances of making�the semi-finals of the Under-19 National Football League received�a boost�when�they edged past title aspirants Salgaocar by a solitary goal�at the Duler grounds in Mapusa, Goa, on Sunday.'

The victory�put Dempo on top of the league table with seven points from three matches, displacing Salgaocar, who remain on six points after suffering their first defeat.

Mahindra United,�who have played a match less, are third with four points.

Sunday's�match was�mostly confined to the midfield as Dempo's attempts to score proved unsuccessful with�Salgaocar�goalkeeper Gerald D'Mello effecting�two saves off Wesley Coutinho.

However, with three minutes left for the interval, Coutinho put his team into the lead when he ran solo from the rival half after receiving a pass from Clifford and scored.

Salgaocar were�unlucky not to find�the equaliser as Lector Caido's attempts at the goal twice hit the post.

Refereee Benjamin Silva showed the yellow card to Salgaocar's Denzil Franco.

Complete Coverage: National Football League (under 19) 2002-2003