A spectacular second-half half volley from captain Bharat Khawas was enough for Tribhuvan Army Club to score a 1-0 win over Jawalakhel Youth Club and reclaim the top spot in the Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League on Tuesday.

Both teams had their chances throughout the match, but the solitary goal of the match came in the 75th minute from the sheer brilliance of Khawas, whose splendid half volley from a tight angle from the right edge of the area went past the Jawalakhel custodian, Arun Blon, sending the Army team up in jubilation.

Jawalakhel coach, Naresh Thapa, said that his team had failed in perfectly executing their counter-attacking strategy. "We played for much of the game as planned, but still conceded a goal," Thapa said. "We were aiming to steal a point. Bygones are bygones, we still have not given up on our top six aspirations."

Despite the win, Nabin Neupane, the Army coach said that his players were under pressure during the match. "Our players were slightly uncomfortable today. Midfielders could not supply well to the forwards and we had to struggle."

Neupane added: "It was the brilliant goal from Bharat that earned us a win in the match, which was looking very difficult to win. We are inching closer to the title, four more steps remain for us."

The win means the Army continue to lead the league standings with a point. Machhindra, who had secured a 2-0 win over Three Star on Monday, find themselves second with 19 points. Manang Marshyangdi, who have a game in hand, are third with 16 points. Jawalakhel, meanwhile, are seventh, with 12 points.

Earlier, Kazeem Adegoke Busari starred for Saraswoti Youth Club as they registered their first win of the season in an intense battle against Himalayan Sherpa Club. In the match which witnessed seven goals, Saraswoti edged past Sherpa, 4-3.

Nigerian forward Busari put the struggling Saraswoti ahead in the 5th minute as he headed the brilliant cross served in by defender Purna Bahadur Shrestha. However, Ashish Gurung equalized for Sherpa five minutes later. Gurung made no mistake as his header in the cross provided by Ravi Thapa Magar through a freekick went into the Saraswoti post.

Saraswoti regained their lead 10 minutes from half-time, as Binod KC converted from a close range in a wonderful assist provided by Busari. Yet again, Sherpa found themselves at level terms in the 45th minute as Bijay Shrestha's right footed shot from inside the area rippled the net.

After the first half ended in a 2-2 stalemate, both sides had their chances, but the match saw some delightful late action. It was Busari yet again in the limelight, as he headed in Nishan Majhi's corner in the 34th minute to put Saraswoti ahead for a third time in the match. Midfielder Manish Thapa then doubled their lead in the 89th minute through a solo effort.

Five minutes of additional time was not adequate for Sherpas to salvage a point. However, they found some consolation in the third minute of injury time as Rabi Thapa Magar made no mistake in converting his free-kick and the match ended in a 4-3 win for Saraswoti.

The Sherpa coach, Sanjib Budhathoki accepted the fact that his team are in the relegation zone. "Our aim now is to avoid the drop rather than finishing in the top half," said Budhathoki.

The Himalayan Sherpa Club now are only two places and three points above Saraswoti, who despite the win are still at the bottom of the teams table. A single point separates them from the departmental side, Armed Police Force.

Saraswoti coach, Pradip Nepal, acknowledged the fact that a defeat against Sherpa would have almost meant curtains for his team. "The three points were very crucial for us, we want to avoid relegation at all cost," said Nepal.

Wednesday's fixture:

Manang Marshyangdi vs Sankata 1500 NST

Venue: ANFA Complex, Satdobato