Earlier, in the first match, New Road Team (NRT) shared the point to Machhindra Club (MC) playing a goalless draw. The matches were held at the Dasharath Stadium.[break]
Police, taking their unbeaten run to the sixth match have added 14 points from as many matches played to come ahead of Manang Marshyangdi Club, which have added 13 points with a match advantage. Friends with three wins are in fifth position with nine points from six matches.
The NRT and Machhindra are in the third and fourth spots respectively with 11 and 9 points playing six matches. NRT have won three and drawn two matches while Machhindra have two wins and three draws.
The second half goals from Jumanu Rai, Chetan Ghimire and Bhola Silwal gave the departmental team a comfortable win over Friends. Rai opened the scoring in the 62nd minute from the edge of the box. Ghimire doubled the lead five minutes later scoring out of scuffle from near the goal line utilizing Silwal´s corner.
Ghimire jointly stands on the top scorers´ list with four goals along with Yogesh Shrestha of Jawalakhel Youth Club.
Silwal, in his best form, sealed the match in the 82nd minute after sprinting the ball from the middle and lashing the ball past net from the box.
Police dominating the ball from the beginning could make only a remarkable post attempt during the first half while friends could make only a couple of attempts.
Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha said that his side took advantage of inexperienced opponents and added that there were some improvements in the team´s performance.
Commenting on the team´s move to the top spot he said, “We need not be excited now, if we can add 21-24 points in the first round of league that could be an achievement.”
Friends coach Mrigendra Mishra said that his side could not perform well and conceded unexpected first goal due to the absence of experienced goalie. He slammed referee´s decision as ´poor judgment´.
Earlier, both teams -- Machhindra and NRT could make only a couple of post attempts but failed to find the back of net. In the 20th minute, Jeevan Sinkeman´s close range header for NRT on the pass of Nabin Neupane was well saved by custodian Bishal Magar.
In the 63rd minute, Sayan Mosavi´s quick short-range strike on Neupane´s pass was brilliantly caught by Magar.
For Machhindra, Naresh KC failed to contact Bishnu KC´s pass near the pole in the 27th minute and few minutes before NRT defender Jeeten Karki cleared Bishnu KC´s shot from goal line while the goalie was beaten.
Machhindra coach Dhruba KC satisfied with the results commented that both the teams created equal chances but failed to utilize them. Commenting on the reason for no goals from his side KC said “My boys are immature compared to the experienced NRT players and they also got tired due to regular matches.”
NRT coach Diken Suwal said his side could not put up a good show. “The boys could not play up to their potential and there was a lack of supplies from midfield.”
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