E-Kantipur

KATHAMNDU, MAR 16 - Leaders Manang Marshayngdi Club (MMC) tasted their first defeat of the season, going down 2-0 to New Road Team (NRT) in the San Miguel Martyrs’ Memorial ‘A’ Division League at the Dashrath Stadium on Monday.

Subash Gurung set up Roshan Lamichane for the first goal on 39th minute while converted one himself on 72nd minute as NRT climbed back to third with 14 points, cutting short Friends Club’s brief stint at third with 12 points. MMC, on 16 points, still top the table with a two points cushion over nearest rival Nepal Police Club.

MMC, playing without three of their regular starters due to double yellow cards and having as many players injured, could not match their opponents’ pace, and were found wanting in every area. Korean player Lee Jihon, Jagjeet Shrestha and Ganesh Khadka all missed the match due suspensions, while Tashi Ghale, Shiva Shrestha and Pankaj Shrestha played despite their injuries.

MMC coach Tashi Ghale cited the shortage of first team players and injuries for the loss. “A team’s performance is down even when they miss a single first team player. We were missing three and had numerous injuries.” His counterpart Diken Suwal conceded that it was indeed difficult to be without regular starters. “We played well and capitalised on their depleted squad.”

Three Star Club, meanwhile, moved one place up to fifth collecting 11 points after their 2-1 win over 10-man Sankata Club in a match marred by considerable acrimony beween both players and officials. Sankata remained rooted at the bottom of the table with three points obtained from their win over Jawalakhel Club.

Nirajan Malla stunned Three Star with a 14th minute goal to get in the score-sheet for the first time. Malla’s one-touch volley that came from a tight angle off Arjun Subba’s corner was hit with ferocity and accuracy, giving an impression that he had plenty more to offer in the day.

Bijay Gurung pulled one back for Three Star 14 minutes later from a free kick that left Bangla keeper Mohammad Nurul Karim stranded. Santosh Sahukhala sealed the win for Three Star heading home a corner from Bijay Gurung’s corner on 47th minute to take his personal goal tally to four in seven matches.

Sankata were reduced to 10 men following the sending off their skipper Kailash Dangol on 75th minute for a double yellow card. Dangol had received his first for a foul on Pradeep Maharjan and was shown a second for arguing with the referee.

Earlier, Sankata officials got into a heated argument with the fourth official on the touchline after the official refused to let even a single Santaka squad official on the line. As per the rules, at any time an official is allowed by the touchline.

Sankata were hobbled by the injury of their Bangla keeper Mohammad Nurul Karim, who limped off on 39th minute making way for Sankata’s goalkeeper coach Uzol Manandhar.

Referring to Kailash’s caution for a tackle on Pradeep Maharjan, Sankata coach Chet Narayan Sherstha charged the referee of being lenient on established players.

Posted on: 2010-03-16 08:46

Post Your Comment

Please note that all the fields marked * are mandatory.
* Full Name
* Address
* Email Address
* Comment
* Captcha	Get another CAPTCHA code
Note:	Comments containing abusive words or slander shall not be published.