Two second-half strikes helped Vasco score a convincing 2-0 victory over Dempo in the Oil PSU National Football League at the Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday.

Vasco could have led by at least by three goals at the breather, but Dempo goalkeeper Abjit Mondal gave a good account of himself to keep the scoreline goalless in the first-half.

However, in the second session, he was beaten in the 76th minute, after substitute Agnelo Gomes capitalised on defender Luciano's delay in clearing the ball. Gomes quickly relayed the ball to Marcos Pereira, who beat Mondal to his left with a deft placement.

Eleven minutes later, Vasco increased the lead when Riston Rodrigues found the net from inside the box off a Rui Wanderley pass.

After some lethargic play in the first-half, Dempo were seen in better light in the second session and twice had a good look at the Vasco goal but Luciano's header and Channa's shot was saved by 'keeper Ramos.

Vasco, placed second behind East Bengal, increased their points tally to 31 from 17 matches, while Dempo remain on 21 from as many matches.

Referee Saji Kurian showed the yellow card to Vasco's Satish Minz.