Four-time title holders Three Star beat Sankata to secure a top-six finish in the Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division league on Friday thanks to a solitary second-half strike from defender Ananta Tamang.

With the win, Three Star earned 20 points from their 11 matches to find themselves a spot ahead of defending champions Manang Marshyangdi, currently fourth with 19 points. Sankata, are fifth with 15 points.

A top-six finish in the tournament, which still has two more rounds, is a matter of prestige for the clubs as it gives them a spot in the coveted National League. "Both the teams played good football," said Three Star coach Megh Raj KC after the match. "I am happy that we are now guaranteed a top-six finish in the league," he said.

Sankata could have drawn first blood late in the first half, but Three Star defender Bikram Lama Lama cleared a 42nd-minute header from Ajayi Martins from inside the box to deny them the opportunity. The match would have ended in a goalless draw if it weren’t for a clinical strike from Tamang, who also features on the national squad. In the 61st minute of the match. Tamang

collected a ball deflected off a Sankata defender and converted it to a goal from close range.

Sankata coach Bijay Maharjan said that his team will still compete for a top-six finish. "The match did not go as planned. We still have two more matches to play, and if we can win both of them, we can secure a place in the top six."

Meanwhile, a first-half goal from Bharat Shah saw Nepal Police secure a narrow 1-0 win over Brigade Boys in the second match of the day. Brigade Boys dominated proceedings until the first half-hour into the match, but it was the policemen who found the back of the net. Skipper Bharat Shah headed home Nir Kumar Rai’s 29th-minute corner.

Despite the win, the police team are yet to secure a place in the top six. They find themselves fifth while Brigade Boys settle for 11th, only three places ahead of bottom-placed Saraswoti with eight points.

Saturday's Fixtures

Himalayan Sherpa vs Chyasal 1130 NST (ANFA Complex)

Jawalakhel Youth vs Friends Club 1500 NST (ANFA Complex)

Manang vs New Road Team 1500 NST (APF Halchowk Stadium)