Margao, Jan 18 (IANS) Defending champions Salgaocar coasted to a comfortable 4-0 victory over bottom-placed HAL in a 15th round I-League football clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Wednesday.

Salgaocar now have 16 points from their last six matches and took their tally to 25 while HAL, with just three points in their kitty, will find it difficult to save themselves from relegation.

Francis Fernandes, Ryuji Sueoka, Gilbert Oliveira and Randeep Singh got the goals for the defending champions, who led 1-0 at the halfway mark.

Salgaocar seemed eager to open their account with a flurry of attacks at the start. The defending champions surged ahead in the 12th minute when HAL goalkeeper P.Pramod allowed Francis Fernandes all the time in the world to head home Tomba Singh’s measured cross.

Salgaocar’s second goal was another defensive lapse, this time Nicolau Colaco’s cross was headed into the net by Ryuji Sueoka.

The third goal from the hosts in the 71st minute was a gem. An overhead ball from Rocus Lamare was controlled by Gilbert Oliveira. The midfielder then drew out the goalkeeper and finished off with a perfect placement.

Randeep Singh then scored with his first touch as the midfielders powerful shot from just inside the box rocked the crossbar and sailed into the nets.

HAL failed to make their presence felt and it was made worse when defender Liliyan Ketteth was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 78th minute.

The Bangalore side did not have even a single attempt on goal.