KATHMANDU: Nepal Police Club registered their third consecutive victory and moved up to fourth place in the Martyrs Memorial A Division League here on Monday.

Anjan Rai scored a brace including the winning goal as NPC defeated Friends Club 2-1 at the Dasharath Stadium. Rai put NPC ahead in the third minute before Bikash Thapa levelled the scores for Friends in the 21st minute. Rai restored NPC's lead with his second goal of the match in the 36th minute.

In another match, FC Khumaltar came from a goal down to beat Himalayan Sherpa 2-1. Abayomi Oluwaseun Fakunle put Sherpa ahead in the sixth minute before Messouke Oloumou scored the equaliser in the 17th minute. Stephane Samir Binong then scored the winner for Khumaltar in the 76th minute.

With the win, NPC climbed five places up to fourth with 31 points from 22 matches, while Friends remained at the 13th place with 24 points, tied with bottom side Khumaltar. Sherpa slipped to sixth with 29 points.

After the end of the 22nd round, newcomers Church Boys United are at the top of the table with 38 points and they are two points head of two-time defending champions Machhindra FC with four matches remaining.

Jawalakhel Youth Club are third on 34 points.

A version of this article appears in the print on May 30, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.