A brace by man-of-the-match Marcos Pereira guided Vasco Sports Club to a 2-1 victory over a fighting JCT in the ninth round of the Oil PSU-National Football League at the Nehru stadium in Goa on Saturday.

Vasco started off well and took an early lead in the eighth minute, when Jules Alberto sent a cross from the right to an unmarked Marcos, who leapt and beat keeper Mansuru Mohammed to his left.

Marcos, with good support from Rui Wanderly and Jules Alberto Dias, frustrated the rival defenders whenever he had the ball in possession, weaving his way into the rival box. But he was unlucky twice in the first-half after his try hit the woodwork.

However, he succeeded in finding the net for the second time with a gem of a goal as he met a fine cross from Jules Dias, who lunged forward to glance the ball to the far post and become the highest scorer of the tournament with nine goals. After taking the lead, Vasco failed to keep the momentum and JCT, who pushed defender Joe Paul Ancheri in front, took control over the proceeding and launched a series of attacks.

Ancheri played his heart out and twice forced keeper Saji Joy to make a diving save of his power-packed left-footer. Saji replaced Ramos, who had to sit out after receiving a red card during the ITI match and made few fine saves but lacked experience as he needlessly charged out to concede a goal.