Kathmandu, January 30:

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) extended their lead to five points in their bid to claim the maiden title after beating New Road Team (NRT) 2-0 in the Martyrs Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League Football here at the Dasharath Stadium today. Sankata Kathmandu Mall Club and Sony Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) played a 1-1 draw in other match of the day.

The Army club lead the standings with 53 points from 20 matches, while second-placed Mahendra Police Club have 48 from 19 matches. Nabil Three Star lie third with 41 points, one

more than Armed Police Force (APF) Team. Defending champions Manang Marsyangdi are fifth with 38 points.

On Tuesday, Hari Bahadur Mahato and Raju Tamang scored a goal each for the Armymen. Mahato put the Armymen ahead in the 13th minute when he beat advancing NRT goalkeeper Surendra Shrestha on a pass from Bikarna Shrestha before Tamang sealed their victory scoring two minutes into the second half injury time. Roshan Shrestha of NRT was adjudged the Adidas man of the match.

NRT coach Raju Shakya said that they tried their best to snatch a point from the Army team. “The TAC is a good team and I am happy that my boys put up a valiant effort,” added Shakya. Tribhuvan Army coach Babu Kaji Dhaubanjar accepted they had tough time against NRT. “NRT made us work really hard,” added Dhaubanjar.

In the second game, Chetan Ghimire gave Sankata the lead in the 40th minute when he scored past advancing RCT goalkeeper Dilip Chhetry following a pass from Bharat Khawas. Naresh Khatri netted an equaliser on a superb volley in the 52nd minute. Sankata skipper Bikash Singh Chhetry won the Adidas man of the match award.

Today’s matches

• Friends vs BUC @ 12:30pm

• MMC vs Machhindra @ 2:30pm