By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Dec 9 : Defending champions Machhindra Football Club moved to the second spot of the ongoing Martyr's Memorial 'A' Division League after beating Jawalakhel Youth Club at Dashrath Stadium, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu on Wednesday.

After 2-0 victory over Jawalakhel, Machhindra moved to the second spot with seven points from three matches they played while with an equal seven points from three matches newcomer Satdobato Youth Club is at the summit of the league standing in the goal difference. With an equal seven points from three matches eight time champion Manang Marsyangdi Club is at the third spot in the goal difference.

Similarly, the departmental side Armed Police Force (APF), is at bottom of the league standing with zero points from three matches they played. Ranjit Dhimal scored a one goal while Simant Thapa of Jawalakhel gifted one goal for holders Machhindra Football Club.

The own goal from Jawalakhel's Simant put Machhindra ahead in the 14th minute. Simant suicide goal came while clearing the cross off Machhindra's striker Manish Dangi.

Jawalakhel failed to level the score in the 19th minute after their forward Onguna Nkengue Junior's goal was ruled off side by referee Suman Shrestha.

Machhindra double their tally in the 22nd minute after their defender Ranjit Dhimal scored from free kick. This is the third defeat in a row for Jawalakhel.

Earlier, Machhindra thrashed New Road Team by 2-1 in their opener and then played a goalless draw againstTribhuvan Army Football Club in the second match of the league. Earlier Jawalakhel went down to Manang Marsyangdi Club by 1-0 in the first match and they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nepal Police Club in the second match of the league.

Machhindra Coach Prabesh Katuwal was pleased to earn three points from Jawalakhel who was one of the sound and strongest sides of the ongoing league.

"Scoring an early goal against Jawalakhel put us in a comfort zone as the victory has put us on the top of the league standing. Andres Nia Tchounkeu who absent today's game and we fielded our second choice Abhiyan Pradhan, who played well," Coach Katuwal said.

After suffering consecutive defeats , Jawalakhel coach Kishor K.C. blamed his goalie Tikendra Singh Thapa for his poor keeping in all three matches of the league.
"We had three goalies in our squad and two goalies is inexperienced. I will take a risk in the upcoming matches of the league by giving chance to the second choice goalie ," Coach K.C said.

Police, Sherpa share point
Nepal Police Club and Himalayan Sherpa Club shared a point each in th league after they played 1-1 draw at Dashrath Stadium.

After the draw, the departmental side Police moved to the fifth position with five points from three matches and Sherpa remained at the 12th spot of the league standing as they have gained only two points from three matches they played.

Biswash Shrestha scored for Sherpa and Suman Lama rescued Police men from the jaw of defeat by scoring an equalizer.

Sherpa's captain Biswash Shrestha put Sherpa ahead within 53 seconds of the kick-off whistle. Lama scored a stunner from outside the box off the pass of India forward Moinuddin Khan.

Sherpa failed to take advantage of the early lead. After the interval the policemen played an attacking game and levelled the score 1-1 in the 60th minute through Suman Lama goal. Nnmarked Lama rescued Police from inside the six yard box connecting the cross off Ravi Shankar Paswan.

Jiwan Gurung of Himalayan Sherpa Club was declared the Man of the Match. Himalayan Sherpa Caoch Yugal Kishore Rai said that they failed to perform according to their plan against the policemen and were forced to share point.
"Winning or losing is a natural thing in a game but our calculation did not work properly for us today. We have to share a point against policemen after we failed on execute our strategy. I trained my boys how to stop policemen but they completely failed to executed this plan," Coach Rai said. After sharing a point, Police Coach Anant Thapa said that they were here to earn three points but they failed on it

"I had already said all both teams are 19-20 position in the league and earning three points is a tough task and conceding unbelievable goal in the first minute put us under a huge pressure against Sherpa. I am happy after out team emerged unbeaten at the end of third round," Coach Thapa said.

"We performed an attacking football and also succeeded in the ball possession. W levelled the score though we played today to earn the full three points, which did not materialise," Coach Thapa added.