MMC continue winning spree

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, June 16:Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) continued its winning streak beating Three Stars Club 2-0 while New Road Team held Jawalakhel Youth Club to 1-1 draw in the ongoing Martyr's Memorial National Football League matches played today.

MMC players, with the today's victory, looked all set to emerge as the league champions with eight wins out of eight matches played in the league where 12 senior division Kathmandu clubs are scheduled to play 11 games in a round robin fixtures.

The star studded favourites team that enjoyed the luxury of having half a dozen current national players under their wings launched their attacks from the beginning, and were put ahead in the 17th minute by ace striker Basant Thapa who had nothing to do but just tap home a Rajesh Shahi right-cross past Three Stars goalline.

However, the second placed Three Stars led by former national skipper Deepak Amatya pressed hard for an equaliser in the 37th minute through a sharp header from Surendra Tamang but the MMC's national keeper Upendra Man Singh's brilliant save under the bar came into Tamang's way.

The MMC quartet of Thapa, Rajan Rayamajhi, Basant Gauchan and Rajesh Shahi penetrated the rivals defence repeatded by . Thapa was unlucky as his 43rd minute-shot taken from inside the striking zone was bounced off the left post.

Meanwhile, Three Star's chance for gaining an equaliser came at the 44th minute but captain Amatya's free-kick, that was hit on the volley by Tamang, was deflected from the crossbar. Keeper Singh was again quick enough to grab the shot taken by Limbu after the ball deflected from the cross bar.

Having taken 1-0 lead, the MMC's second half game was mostly confined to the middle. However, Thapa again proved the Three Stars nemesis in the 38th minute when he, after collecting a Shahi pass, beat the offside trap to slid the ball home past the advancing Three Stars keeper Manik Shakya. The second goal snatched any opportunity for Three Stars to restore the parity.

MMC defenders-- Prakash Dewan, Anil Subba, Rajendra Tamang and Ujen Shrestha and custodian Singh's excellent performance thwarted The Three Stars' attempts to lower margin in the latter part second half which was played under the evening drizzle.

NRT, Jawalakhel play 1-1 draw: In the first match of the day, NRT forced a 1-1 draw against rival Jawalakhel Youth Club. The JYC took early lead through Jung Bahadur Dhimal in the 6th minute of the game. Dhimal hammered a powerful shot from penalty area onto the first bar after taking the ball in his possession from the mid-half.

After being downed 0-1, the NRT regrouped them in the second half and pulled an equaliser in the 52nd minute. Striker Hari Thakuri performed a solo act after collecting a pass fed by Kalyan Khadgi. Thakuri took a powerful shot to deny any opportunity to JYC keeper Ujwal Manadhar, who had to face the brunt of two bookings and will be barred from the crucial match against Three Stars.