A solitary second-half goal from Uttam Rai led Friends Club to a 1-0 win against Chyasal while substitute Rajesh Pariyar shone in New Road Team’s 2-0 defeat of Brigade Boys in the Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League on Thursday.

Despite creating several chances, neither team could convert their opportunities and the first half ended in a goalless stalemate. However, Friends stunned Chyasal in the 84th minute as Rai calmly put a rebound in the back of the net after Bishwo Adhikari's effort from the freekick was not comfortably collected by their custodian Alan Neupane.

Heading into the match against Chyasal, Friends had eight points, only four more than bottom-placed Saraswoti. The win helps them create a distance from the relegation zone as they are now placed ninth with 11 points while Chyasal are a place behind with nine points.

In the second match of the day, Pariyar scored in either half for NRT while Brigade Boys captain Anil Gurung failed to convert from the spot as the New Road Team secured a 2-0 win to climb fourth in the standings.

Pariyar, who was brought on in place of Krishan Kumar in the 22nd minute, made an instant impact as he put NRT ahead 10 minutes later by converting an assist from Darshan Gurung. The New Road Team had their opportunities to double the lead in the first half itself but fell short in getting past the Brigade defence.

It was Pariyar again who extended NRT's cushion seven minutes into the second half. He first displayed a brilliant control of the ball provided by Shyam Babu Kyapchhaki before finding the back of the net. Brigade had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 63rd minute, former Nepal forward and captain Gurung's penalty kick, following a handball inside the area, met with a splendid dive by NRT 'keeper Ajit Prajapati.

Three minutes on, Pariyar, who was brought on as a substitute, was replaced by Kritish Ratna Chhunju. NRT continued to dominate the proceedings but could not create anything and had to contend with a 2-0 win.

Following the defeat, Brigade Boys are now languishing in the relegation zone—11th place—with eight points. "We must do better because there now is the fear of dropping down to 'B' division," said their coach Khagendra Pun.

NRT coach Raju Kaji Shakya admitted that his team’s performance was below par but was content with the result, "We did not play well, but I’m glad to have won three points," he said.

"Many players were injured, it certainly hurt our title aspirations, but we hope to finish in the top six," said the former Nepal captain and coach. "If we keep producing this kind of results, who knows, we might end up in a second or third place."

Saturday's fixtures

Three Star vs Saraswoti 1200 NST

APF vs Machhindra 1500 NST

Venue: Dashrath Stadium