In the drab affair, Ruchal scored the decider in the 39th minute in Akeen Oladimeji Babarurde´s pass. Ruchal took advantage of Machhindra defender Bikram Limbu´s failed clearance to put his side ahead.[break]
In the first round match of the league played on January 23, NRT and Machhindra had shared points after playing a goalless draw.
With the win, NRT leapfrogged three spots up to second with 29 points, six behind leader Three Star which has also played 16 matches. Machhindra with 27 points dropped one spot to sixth.
The win has helped NRT stay in the title race, according to its coach Diken Suwal. "If we achieve continuous wins we might as well win the title," said Suwal expressing satisfaction at his side´s performance. "But a draw or defeat could end our hopes for the title."
Machhindra created as many as three chances while NRT created a few more. All three of Machhindra´s attempts were made by Karna Limbu, but he could not find the back of the net.
Limbu´s powerful shot from the six-yard box was denied by diving NRT custodian Raju Yogi early in the seventh minute. In the 56th minute, an unmarked Limbu shot inches above the bar from close range with only goalie Yogi between him and the goal.
Subash Gurung B of NRT missed the target in the 69th minute as his powerful shot from the edge sailed inches above the bar. Roshan Lamichhane could have doubled the advantage for NRT in the 83rd minute after being set up by Babarurde, but his low shot from the left side of the box narrowly missed the far post. During the injury time, an unmarked Babarurde failed to connect with Sushil KC´s pass in the area.
Machhindra´s coach Raju Shakya ruled out his side´s possibility of finishing the league as champion. In the first six matches of the first round, Machhindra won five and lost one. "There were high expectations from the team after good results in the initial matches. But Machhindra does not have any chance to finish on top," said Shakya, who is eyeing second or third position in the league.
Shakya also praised his side´s performance as they had not trained after the break of the first round of the league due to unavailability of training ground. "We conceded an accidental goal today and Bishal Rai A was less effective."
Today´s Match
RCT Vs MMC @ 15:30 NST
Venue: Dasharath Stadium
Points Table
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Three Star 16 11 2 3 32 9 23 35
2 NRT 16 8 5 3 27 14 13 29
3 Friends 16 7 7 2 22 9 13 28
4 Army 16 8 4 4 20 8 12 28
5 Machhindra 16 8 3 5 22 17 5 27
6 Police 16 7 5 4 16 13 3 26
7 MMC 15 7 5 3 25 13 12 26
8 RCT 15 8 2 5 24 17 7 26
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