Kathmandu, February 3:

Defending champions Nabil Three Star Club (TSC) registered a hard fought 1-0 win over New Road Team and Manang Marasyangdi Club (MMC) beat Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) 2-0 in the Martyrs’ Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League here at Dasharath Stadium today.

Friends’ Club defeated Bouddha Football Club (BFC) 2-0 and Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) beat Sankata Club by the same margin in other matches at Armed Police Stadium.

Three Star’s win was not convincing in paying back its 0-2 loss in the first leg. Pralay Rajbhandari scored the decider on Anjan KC’s free kick in the 41st minute. In a charged up game, both the teams had some good opportunities but it was TSC which was closer to scoring on three occasions.

NRT defender saved a certain goal early in the seventh minute clearing the ball from goalline on a back heel attempt of TSC’s Christian Chidiebere.

NRT goalie Surendra Shrestha made a wonderful save off Surendra Tamang’s attempt in the 66th minute. NRT goalie made yet another good save denying Tamang in a solitary encounter in the dying moments of the game.

Despite the defeat NRT coach Raju Shakya praised his players’ performance. “My players made a minor technical error in the game that produced the opponent a winning goal,” Shakya said, indicating the poor marking.

Earlier, Nabin Neupane tapped in an easy goal following Nurudeen Olawale Salau’s perfect cross from inside the box.

Salau dobled the lead in the first half injury time on Basanta Gauchan’s pass.

MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang said that his team’s performance was improving. RCT coach Biaju Kapali expressed satisfaction over the performance of his team despite the loss.

At Halchowk Stadium, Shreeram Shrestha gave Friends a lead in the 62nd minute before Felix sealed the victory in the injury time in its 2-0 won over Bouddha FC, who is almost certain to be relegated to ‘B’ Division. Bouddha, who entered the top flight as runners-up to Machhindra, have 11 points with three matches remaining. Nearest rivals, Machhindra and Mahabir, have 19 points each.

In the second match, Shiva Chaudary scored the first goal for Tribhuvan Army Club in the 12th minute and Santosh Nepali doubled the tally three minutes before the break. Both the teams failed to score in the second half.

Today’s matches

At Dasharath Stadium

• Brigade Boys vs Mahabir @ 12:30pm

• MPC vs Armed Police Force @ 2:30pm

At Armed Police Stadium

• Friends vs Machhindra @ 12:30pm

• Jawalakhel vs Boys Union @ 2:30pm