KATHMANDU: Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) registered second straight win defeating NIB Friends Club 1-0, while Machhindra Football Club held Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club to a goalless draw at the Martyrs Memorial A Division League Football here at the Dasharath Stadium today.

MMC’s Korean striker Lee Ji Hoon made his presence worth in the club, striking in the 68th minute on his solo effort. Lee beat the offside trap from Friends midfield and made a long run to beat goalkeeper Rupak Shrestha. Lee was later adjudged the man of the match.

MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang Gurung, however, pointed out coordination lapse between the local boys and the Koreans. “I think they are lacking coordination. The Koreans are supplying the ball only to their compatriots and so is the case with my local boys,” said Gurung.

Friends were a better team in the first half though the side made no notable attacks on the frame. Nirajan Khadka struck a powerful free kick in the 57th minute only for MMC glovesman Bishal Shrestha to deny. Friends coach Mrigendra Mishra, who looked a bit worried after their second loss in the league, said his side was unfortunate not to find the back of the nets despite playing a better match.

Later in the day, Machhindra custodian Bishal Magar made almost half-a-dozen saves to deny the APF three points. Bishal, who was brought on a trial basis from Jhapa in the absence of regular keeper Dinesh Thapa, first came into action blocking a powerful close-range shot from Durga Raj Lawat in the 55th minute. The goalie once again denied Lawat’s powerful ground shot in the 68th minute.

Machhindra were equally making threatening moves but there was no one who could give a finishing touch. Karna Limbu unnecessarily dribbled the ball inside APF area in an one-to-one situation with goalkeeper Chandan Sardar in the 61st minute. Bishnu KC was close to scoring when he succeeded in stealing the ball from four APF defenders but muffed up the opportunity with a sky high shot from the area in 74th minute.

APF coach Maheshwor Mulmi appreciated Bishal’s show. “We made several attacks on the frame but Bishal outplayed us,” said Mulmi. Machhindra Football Club coach Narottam Shakya credited his goalkeeper Bishal for earning a point. “We were lacking goalkeeper but Bishal performed really well in his trial,” said the coach.