A second-half goal by Francis Andrade helped former champions Salgaocar beat Vasco 2-1 in a second division ONGC National Football League match in Kozhikode on Tuesday.

The Goan teams were tied 1-1 at half-time.

The victory brightened Salgaocar's chances of a berth in the first division. They have eight points from four matches and top the table.

It was Vasco who seized the initiative in the opening minute, when Alvito Fernandes' header off a Queterio Pango's corner kick found the target.

However, Salgaocar found the equaliser three minutes later through Francis Fernandes, who shot home following a long throw from Remus Gomes.

Salgaocar were a bit unlucky when Francis Andrade's powerful shot ricocheted after hitting the right bar.

But Andrade made amends for that miss in the 47th minute when he netted a goal, capitalising on a Gomes cross.

Thereafter, it was Vasco who came across several scoring opportunities but none of their players rose to the occasion.

This included their captain Menino Fernandes, who missed a close chance in the 83rd minute.

Vasco have four points from four matches, while Viva Kerala, Kochi is in the second spot with six points but has yet to play the fourth round.

Chirag United, Kolkata, also with four points from three outings, will take on ONGC, Mumbai (2) on Wednesday.