Armed Police Force registered their first victory of this season’s league campaign, beating Saraswoti Youth Club 2-1 at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Thursday.

A second-half brace from substitute Ashish Lama in the win saw the departmental side climbed up to 10th place in the standings. Saraswoti scored a consolation when Binod KC scored the team’s first goal in four matches deep into the regulation time. They remain at the bottom of the pile without a single point.

After a goalless first half where both sides wasted several opportunities, Armed Police Force were more clinical when the play resumed with Lama replacing Hari Karki in the attack.

In the 62nd minute, Prabin Syangtan failed to move past Saraswoti custodian Pradeep Bhandari, but the rebound fell in front of Lama who put the APF 1-0 up with a tap-in.

The Koteshwor-based side went close to levelling the scores with four minutes before time, but Manish Ghale's attempt from outside the area deflected off the bar.

And the APF launched a blistering counter-attack which caught Saraswoti defenders napping. Lama, taking a pass into his stride, calmly nutmegged Bhandari to double their lead three minutes into added time.

Showing urgency, Saraswoti pushed their men forward and their effort paid off when KC headed home to narrow the deficit to 2-1.

The win came as a sigh of relief for APF coach Rajendra Tamang. "We were under pressure going without a win in three matches and finding ourselves in the relegation zone. We were not able to play well before today."

"Now that we have our first win, we hope to build on the momentum and display our natural game," Tamang said.

Saraswoti coach Pradeep Lama felt his side were unlucky to be denied goals despite creating several chances in both halves. "We dominated the match in terms of possession and also had a number of glorious opportunities. We were far from clinical. We’ve got to work on that front."

Despite his side being rooted at the bottom, Lama has not lost out hope yet. "The league is far from over. We still feel we can finish above the relegation zone,” he said, but quickly added, “We must have a more tenacious approach in the next matches."

New Road Team play Jawalakhel Youth Club in the opening match on Saturday, which will be followed by a clash between league leaders Manang Marshyangdi Club and their closest rivals Machhindra Club. The two sides are separated by a single point.