Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 5:

Mahendra Police Club (MPC) blanked Mahabir Club 3-0 in the day’s match of the Mertyrs’ Memorial Everest ‘A’ Division League Football Tournament here at Dasharath Stadium today.

After the win, the policemen topped the standings with 12 points for atleast 24 hour, ahead of defending champions Manang Marsyangdi Club (10) and Three Star Club (9). Three Star Club could go up if they beat Jawalakhel Youth Club on Thursday. MPC took lead in the 16th minute through skipper Hari Khadka, who netted his first goal of the league following a cross from Ramesh Budhathoki.

Ananta Thapa doubled the tally in the 59th minute on Hari Khadka’s cross from the right flank. Hari, who took the ball on Mahabir Club defender Pradeep Acharya’s mispass, came up with a perfect cross and Ananta netted his fourth goal of the league. In the 87th minute, Ramesh Budhathoki sealed the victory beating Mahabir second-choice goalkeeper Min Bahadur Basnet on Hari Khadka’s pass. Mahabir lined-up Basnet as the starter following a lackluster performance from Sujit Rana Magar in their previous match against NRT April 30.

Bahadur made couple of good saves including Ramesh Budhathoki’s 30-yarder powerful shot on Hari Khadka’s cross in the 31st minute. In the 40th minute, Basnet gathered Hari Khadka’s free kick and also had a specatular save on Ramesh Budhathoki’s attempt from the D-Box line in the 76th minute.

Ramesh Budhathoki’s close-range shot in the 70th minute hit the cross bar and the ball rebounded to play, but unmarked Ananta Thapa also failed to capitalise on the occasion.

MPC’s newly-signed custodian Ritesh Thapa denied Mahabir an early lead as he foiled Prakash Karki’s attempt in the fifth minute when on one-to-one situation. Thapa also saved Mahabir Club striker Gudia Rai’s close-range shot in the 12th minute. Prakash Karki of Mahabir Club again came close to scoring in the 85th minute, but the former Three Star Club glovesman proved too hard to be beaten. Narottam Gautam of MPC was the only player to get yellow card in the match. Gautam, who was also booked in April 24 match against Tribhuvan Army Club, will miss MPC’s next match against Ranipokhari Corner Team on May 10.