Jawalakhel Youth Club thrashed Friends Club 4-1 on Thursday to keep the pressure intact on Church Boys United as the title race hots up in the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League.

A defeat or a draw at the Chyasal Stadium would have dented Jawalakhel’s title intent that was already in question following a recent form slump, but Nkoto Synous Masoabi double and goals from Rahul Rahul and Fode Fofana ensured they stay in the hunt for their maiden trophy.

The win sent Jawalakhel atop the 14-team standings with 30 points, but having played a game more. CBU, who are also looking to win their first trophy in their maiden appearance in the country’s top tier league, also have 30 points. However, they lie below Jawalakhel due to their poor head-to-head record. Jawalakhel had defeated CBU 1-0, on April 22.

CBU, who are on a four-match winning streak, can reclaim their three-point lead at the top with a win over Satdobato Youth Club, next week. The fifth-placed Satdobato are low on confidence after having had a four-match winless run.

The third-placed Three Star, who have 25 points, have stumbled recently, but they still are in contention for their first title since 2013 and their fifth overall. Reigning champions Machhindra Club, on 24 points, started the title defence of their A-Division League trophy in a slow fashion but they have steadied themselves, gradually. However, their progress was halted by a merciless CBU, who defeated them 2-1 on Wednesday.

At Chyasal, Rahul gave Jawalakhel the lead in the 25th minute, scoring a header off a corner kick from Abdulaziz Nishonbaev.

Masoabi doubled Jawalakhel’s lead six minutes later, bending a free kick from Nishonbaev into the far post.

Jawalakhel furthered their lead in the 64th minute through a penalty. Jawalakhel were awarded a penalty after Friends’ Anjal Maharjan handled the ball inside the area and Masoabi sent goalkeeper Raja Babu Thapa the wrong way.

Second-half substitute Shyam Babu Kyapchhki reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, pouncing on a mistake from Jawalakhel goalkeeper Anish Deula. The goalkeeper failed to grab a shot from Aron Thapa as the ball fell on the foot of Rafiq Aminu. Aminu tried his luck, but the ball rebounded off Rahul and Kyapchhki sent back the rebound that nipped goalie Deula again, before finding the back of the net.

Jawalakhel’s Fofana finished off the game in the first minute of the additional time, volleying across weary defenders, after Masoabi cut back for him.

Friends, who suffered their eighth defeat of the season, stayed in the 11th position, two points away from the drop zone.

Nepal Police Club, who are staring at their first-ever relegation, sit at the bottom of the points table with 16 points. Khumaltar are one point above on 17 and New Road Team are currently in the 12th position with 18 points.