Kathmandu, February 17:

Nabil Three Star ruined a chance to lead the table following a 1-1 draw against Mahendra Police Club (MPC) in the Martyrs’ Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League match here at Dasharath Stadium today.

In the other match, Sankata Club demolished already-relegated Bouddha Football Club 7-3 in their last match of the season.

The title race is now centered around Three Star and Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC), who have 62 points each with two games to play. MPC and Tribhuvan Army Club have one game in hand and have 60 points each.

The league can be close only if Three Star and MMC lose their game against MPC and TAC with the top two teams playing draws.

Coming as a favourite to win the match, Three Star strikers let their team down missing several scoring chances. MPC was much better than they were in the last few games creating chances either in the half.

Had MPC kept Three Star at bay for the last 10 minutes, they would have walked away with three clear points. Jumanu Rai put the Policemen ahead in the 26th minute, while Surendra Tamang found the equaliser in the 86th.

MPC goalie Ritesh Thapa denied Surendra in the eighth minute while Santosh Sahukhala hit the post in the 20th. TSC was lucky in the 36th minute when Ramesh Budathoki’s attempt in an open net hit the post.

Vishan Gauchan wasted a certain equaliser with a wide shot from eight yards with only MPC goalkeeper Ritesh Thapa to beat. In the 63rd, TSC’s Santosh Gurung’s goal was rulled offside.

Vijay Gurung struck a loose shot straight to MPC goalie Ritesh in the 79th minute. Four minutes before time, Surendra Tamang scored a spectacular goal to help Three Star earn a crucial point after Vijay Gurung’s shot rebounded to play off MPC defender.

Already troubled by injuries, MPC received another jolt as Parbat Pandey was sent off in the 87th for double bookings and will miss last game against MMC.

In the first match, Raj Kumar Ghising scored four goals (44th, 48th, 71st and 77th minute) while Ekjan Tuladhar (eighth), Salyan Khadki (18th) and Rojit KC (81st) scored one each as Sankata drubbed Bouddha 7-3. Bouddha FC’s 15-year-old Buddha Lama scored two (12th and 38th) while Milan Tamang (43rd) netted one goal.