Kathmandu, January 13:

Mahendra Police Club (MPC) registered a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sankata Club while Machhindra Football Club hammered Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) 4-0 in the Martyrs Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League Football here at the Dasharath Stadium today.

Ju Manu Rai scored the winner for MPC in the 38th minute following a cross

from skipper Hari Khadka. Rai, who was left unmarked inside the box, headed home to give his team three clear points against the rookie Sankata Kathmandu Mall Club.

Earlier, MPC goale Ritesh Thapa denied Roshan Karki’s 25-yard shot and Anil Ojha hit the woodwork in the 43rd minute. Ritesh won the Adidas man of the match award.

In another match, Nirmal Tamang scored twice while Sola Otegbola and Buddha Chemjong netted a goal each for Machhindra Energizer FC. Otegbola put Machhindra ahead early in the 12th minute when he fired home from edge of the box beating the advancing Samsung JYC goalkeeper Raju Yogi.

Nirmal Tamang doubled the tally in the 44th minute capitalising on a defensive error after JYC players failed to clear Machhindra skipper Bikash Subba’s corner kick.

Nirmal added his second goal on a goal-mouth scramble six minute later before Chemjong completed the rout in the first minute of the second half injury time.

Machhindra coach Fuja said that the better team won the match. Commenting on the magin of goals, Fuja said, “The winning margin was what I was expecting against the opponent (JYC) today.”

JYC coach-cum-player Megh Raj KC said that Machhindra have emerged as one of the better teams in the league. “They (Machhindra) played really well and it was a team effort,” said KC. “Our objective now is to save the club from relegation but it will be very tough to achieve the goal after the day’s result,” KC added.

Today’s matches:

• Three Star vs NRT @ 12:30pm

• APF vs RCT @ 2:30pm