NPC capitalise on MMC’s draw
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KATHMANDU, MAR 18 - Nepal Police Club (NPC) replaced leaders Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) at the top of the table after a 2-0 win against fellow departmental club Armed Police Force (APF) in the Martyrs’ Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League at the Dashrath Stadium on Wednesday.
NPC, just a point behind leaders MMC before the start of the eighth round today, needed a win over APF to top the table after MMC had played out a 1-1 draw against mid-table Machhindra Club in the early game of the day. NPC did just that humbling an improved APF side with a goal each from Parbat Pandey and Ju Manu Rai in either side of the half.
Parbat Pandey put NPC ahead on 26th minute with a free kick from about 35-yards out but NPC were nowhere close to the comfort zone as APF charged aggressively testing NPC defender Rakesh Shrestha and goalie Ritesh Thapa on several occasions. Niraj Shrestha tested Ritesh from a distance immediately after conceding the goal. NPC’s Bhola Silwal slammed the ball into the crossbar later in the half, while Ganesh Lawati forced a save from Ritesh Thapa immediately after.
The wining goal came on 38th minute into the second half after much tussle between both the two sides. Ju Manu converted a penalty awarded after Ramesh Katuwal was brought down by substitute Bishal Shrestha. Top Bahadur Bista could have pulled one back later in the half but his header was denied by the crossbar.
Earlier in the day, Machhindra players scored both the goals in their 1-1 draw with MMC. Their first was an own goal from Bikram Limbu on 22nd minute when he tried to clear Kim Nam Gyu’s tame effort. Macchindra, clearly the better side in the second half, brought the game back in level terms two minutes after the restart through Karna Limbu, who coolly dodged MMC keeper Bishal Shrestha from close range off Bishal Rai’s pass.
Later in the half, Machhindra’s Brazilian striker Dineal Sores Neves and scorer Karna all came close to scoring.
NPC are in the lead with 18 points, a point ahead of second placed MMC, while Machhindra have 11 points. APF remain at ninth with seven points.
Having to play with only a day’s rest was MMC coach Chirring Lopsang’s reason behind the loss. He argued that Nepal Police Club were among the few privileged clubs with a comfortable schedule. “There are some technical errors in the tie-sheet and many of the clubs are suffering.”
Machhindra’s stand in coach Narottam Shakya, who took the reins due to a ban for main coach Dhurba K.C., seconded Lopsang on the schedule. “The clubs don’t have enough time for practice owing to the tight schedule. As a result, they are getting injured frequently and are not able to give their best.”
Posted on: 2010-03-18 12:00
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