KATHMANDU, JANUARY 17

Skipper Darshan Gurung scored twice in the space of four minutes as New Road Team defeated Jawalakhel Youth Club 2-0 in the Qatar Airways Martyrs Memorial A Division League here at the Dasharath Stadium today.

After a goalless first half, Gurung netted a brace to seal NRT's third victory in nine matches. NRT moved up to sixth with 13 points, while JYC remained at 10th on eight points. Four teams - Nepal Police Club (seven), Brigade Boys Club (six), Chyasal Youth Club (five) and Friends Club (three) - are behind JYC in the 14- team table. Bottom two clubs will be relegated to second division after 13 rounds.

Gurung put NRT ahead in the 69th minute when he beat JYC's offside trap and slotted home following a pass from Stephane Samir Dieubeni Binong. Gurung doubled the tally four minutes later capitalising on poor defense from Dipenk Raj Singh after a low cross from Binong.

Earlier, JYC failed to find the back of the nets despite dominating the first half and they paid the price for the error. Rup Bahadur Lama shot over the bar from inside the box on a pass from Onguna Nkengue Junior in the ninth minute, while JYC missed two chances in the first half injury time. Lama wasted an opportunity in the second minute of the added time, while NRT goalkeeper Ajit Prajapati denied Gaurav Shrestha following a cross from Suraj Jeu Thakuri moments later.

NRT had created a chance in the 13th minute but skipper Gurung muffed up the opportunity in one-on-one with JYC goalkeeper Tekendra Singh Thapa after he was fed by Krittis h Ratna Chhunju.

NRT displayed an improved show after the break and they created ample opportunities apart from scoring two goals. Binong's shot went inches wide off the post in the 53rd minute, while unmarked Lama headed over the bar in the 67th minute for his third miss of the match. Lama was denied by JYC custodian Prajapati in a set piece in the 85th minute.

Defending champions Machhindra FC are at the top of the table with 23 points, four more than Manang Marshyangdi Club.

Unbeaten Machhindra have already sealed berth in the AFC Cup Qualifiers and they are on the verge of winning their second straight title.

Third-placed Tribhuvan Army Football Club have 17 points, while Three Star Club (16) and Sankata Club (14) are in top five.

NRT are sixth on 13 points, followed by newcomers Satdobato Youth Club (12), Himalayan Sherpa Club (11) and Nepal APF Club (10).

The league will go into a month-long break to accommodate national team's international friendly matches with Mauritius on January 29 and January 31 at the Dasharath Stadium.

The All Nepal Football Association is beginning the national team training from Tuesday with head coach Abdullah Almuitari calling 34 players in the preliminary squad.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 18, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.