Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 8:

Three Star Club (TSC) claimed the top spot defeating Mahendra Police Club (MPC) 2-0 in the day’s match of the Martyrs’ Memorial Everest ‘A’ Division League football tournament here at Dasharath Stadium today. With this victory, TSC is now at top with 23 points. MPC still hold the second spot on goal difference ahead of defending champions MMC, with 22 points each.

MPC’s was the first loss in the league so far. Surendra Tamang and Bishan Gauchan netted one goal each for TSC. After the goalless first half, TSC took lead in the 77th minute through striker Surendra Tamang. Tamang guided the ball alone from the centre and netted the ball from the D-Box leaving MPC custodian Ritesh Thapa stranded.

Bishan Gauchan doubled the tally in the 88th minute following Pradeep Maharjan’s pass from the right flank. The policemen could not show satisfactory performance in the day’s match and failed to make any spectacular moves too, although both the sides put continuous pressure on each other. TSC got an opportunity in the first minute when Dipendra Poudel brought down Bijay Gurung just outside the penalty area in the left flank, but Surendra Tamang’s cheap shot was easily cleared by MPC defence. Janak Shingh of TSC muffed up a free header on Surendra Tamang’s corner in the 38th minute. In the second half, TSC missed as many as four chances to score. MPC goalkeeper Ritesh Thapa easily gathered Bishan Gauchan’s close-range attempt in the 59th minute.

Fed by Surendra Tamang, Santosh Sahukhala’s 20 yarder shot in the 64th minute went inches above the cross bar. In the 69th minute, Surendra Tamang muffed up a chance, and ended up with a weak shot in the 78th minute. In the 40th minute, TSC custodian Upendra Man Singh brilliantly punched out Hari Khadka’s free kick and saved Kishor Subba’s attempt in the 57th minute. Rajendra Shrestha’s close range attempt went above the bar on MPC skipper Hari Khadka’s corner in the 17th minute. Ramesh Budhathoki of MPC should have scored in the 79th minute but ended up with a cheap shot from D-line. Deepak Poudel of MPC and TSC goalkeeper Upendra Man Singh were cautioned with yellow card.