The match scheduled to be held on Thursday was called off in the 37th minute while NRT had taken 2-0 lead, due to heavy downpour. [break]
Following the win, first leg leaders NRT progressed one step ahead to reclaim second spot with 37 points pushing Three Star with 35 points to third spot that has equal four matches to play in the league. Leaders Nepal Police Club with a match advantage over them occupy the top spot with 41 points.
Going through a worst time in the second leg, Friends remained unchanged in the ninth place with 21 points in their accounts. Making a flying start in the first leg they have collected 19 points but were unable to continue with the tune in the second leg and have added only two points from seven outings.
With an attempt to bounce back in the match, Friends scored two goals in the second half to cancel NRT´s two goals lead taken on Thursday to level the scoring.
However, Friends failed to capitalize their dream of earning point after Shrestha of NRT scored through a 20 yard freekick in the 83rd minute to stun motionless goalie Song Sang Maharjan.
Pukar Gahatraj, the 51st minute replacement of Schafer Oliver scored in the 65th minute through an attractive right flank low shot in a pass of Santosh Tamang for Friends and Nirajan Khadka added another to level the scoring 12 minutes later.
Khadka gave a final touch to Ajad Pradhan´s freekick near the goalline to send the ball at the back of the net.
On Thursday, Nirajan Raymajhi had given the 25th minute lead to NRT that had missed their key striker Shayan Mosavi after he was booked with the second yellow card in their previous match against APF. Raymajhi had scored in one-on-one with custodian Maharjan during tussle.
The ball entered net in a powerful rebounder from custodian´s leg.
Jeevan Sinkeman added another two minutes later through a brilliant strike from box in a pass of Laxman Ruchal.
NRT coach Diken Suwal said they gained vital points with the victory. “We conceded goals due to defenders and goalie´s error,” Suwal said.
Friends coach Mrigendra Mishra said that lack of lack of experienced goalie and defenders´ mistake cost them dearly.
“We must gain one more point to be safe from relegation threat,” Mishra said.
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