Defender Sameer Naik's second-half goal helped Dempo edge past a JCT by a solitary goal in Margao on Friday and move to the top of the standings in the Oil PSU 7th edition of the National Football League.

Dempo, who dominated the first-half, scored the all- important goal in the 55th minute. A pass by Sergy Andrev to Sameer Naik on the right, led to the latter uncorking a long ranger at the goal that surprised keeper Mansuru Mohammed who anticipated a cross.

The ball curled and dipped into the far end of the net even as Mohammed made a valiant effort to tip the 30-yard shot.

With the National Football League getting a month's break at the end of the eight round, the win is a new year's gift to coach Armando Colaco. His team heads the table with 19 points from eight matches leading East Bengal by one point.

JCT, who suffered their fourth defeat remained on seventh place with eight points from as many matches.

The Dempo midfield comprising of Jose Colaco and Mario Soares once again gave a good account combining in unison with their forwards.

Dempo raided the rival defence frequently, created scoring chances and could have surged ahead early in the 3rd minute when a flick by Stanley Colaco off Jose Colaco's shot was brilliantly tipped over by Mansuru, who was playing only his second match.  

Twelve minutes later, he again charged out to thwart Francis Silveira from scoring.