In the Lalitpur derby, Jawalakhel recorded a win over Mega Three Star Club for the first time in two decades. Jawalakhel have never defeated Three Star since 1990. Karna Limbu scored for Jawalakhel in the 19th minute clinching victory for the team . [break]
Likewise, winger Bhola Silwal netted the all-important goal for Police in the 32nd minute as it edged past New Road Team, which was without half-a-dozen of its key players.
With the result, departmental giant extended its lead to three points at the top of table. Winning the fourth match played on Friday, Police collected 12 points and continued its dominance. Jawalakhel also achieved third victory from as many matches played and remained firmly in the second position with nine points.
NRT remained unchanged in the third spot with five and Three Star remained constant in fifth place with four points.
Jawalakhel seemed too strong for Three Star in the first match of day, which was the last match of third round. Karna Limbu beat an advancing goalie Kiran Chemjong in counter attack and hit the ball into the post. Limbu had got the ball cleared by Jawalakhel defender Thomas, who put up impressive show and frequently resisted Three Star attacks.
Despite dominating ball possession, Jawalakhel could not make frequent post attacks. Limbu´s 38th minute and Gerard Mukonza´s 40th and 70th minute post attempts were unsuccessful.
Raj Kumar Ghising´s header in the 38th minute for Three Star went inches wide while Pradip Maharjan´s free header six minute from time was taken by goalie Dinesh Thapa Magar.
Happy with his team´s win over Three Star, Jawalakhel coach Kishor KC opined that if his team wins upcoming match against Manang Marshyangdi Club, they shall be the number one team in the league. "The boys put 80 percent of their potential." KC also lauded Three Star as a technically sound team.
Three Star Club Coach Meghraj KC said that there was no team game from his side. "The boys´ did not play Three Star´s natural game today and we will amend it in upcoming matches," said KC.
In late match of the day, Bhola Silwal scored from tight angle out of scuffle for Police as it beat NRT. In absence of half a dozen key players, including three undergoing three match suspension and equal number of others having left to appear in the university exams, NRT seemed to be weak.
Two players of same name Subash Gurung and Rajiv Gurung have left the team to appear in exam while skipper Laxman Ruchal, Raghu Prajapati and Asim Karki are in suspension and will miss next match against Himalayan Sherpa Club. Due to scarcity of players, NRT even fielded its second goalie Raju Yogi as replacement of midfielder Rakesh Lama in the 82nd minute.
Police created about half a dozen attractive chances and missed some "sure chances" as well. In the 64th minute, Silwal failed to control Jumanu Rai´s pass in the danger area from goalie Binay Shrestha as he was the only obstacle on his way.
Similarly, Rai´s second bar attempt after beating goalie hit pole in 59th minute. In the 10th minute, Silwal´s header hit the woodwork and Suman Subedi´s header was taken under control by the goalie Shrestha.
NRT coach Raju Shakya lauded his team´s performance in the absence of half a dozen of key players.
"The boys played as I have briefed them and it was not bad to be defeated by narrow margin in the absence of half a dozen of players," said Shakya, adding Bishnu KC, Jeetendra Karki and Sushil KC were also not cent percent fit.
Police coach Birat Krishna Shretha said that it would always be pressure for leading team to play against the team, which is not in the title track. "The team came under pressure after boys missed numerous opportunities," said Shrestha.
Unfavorable ground
Coaches of most of the teams have complained about the ground condition. The ground had become wet and slippery. This has happened not only on Friday but every other day. Numerous players slipped on the wet ground.
"The ground is not smooth and it´s slippery disturbing the movement of the ball," said the coaches. Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha attributed bad ground condition for his team´s narrow win over NRT. "It is difficult to control the ball in such a ground and the bounce also becomes uneven," said Shrestha .
Similarly, Jawalakhel coach Kishor KC also had similar opinion about the ground. "The wet ground caused great difficultly playing," said KC, who also complained about uneven ground surface.
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