Nepal Police Club defeated Three Star Club 1-0 to move four points towards safety, while Khumaltar secured a vital three points to keep alive their survival hopes in the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League on Tuesday.

Ahmad Hijazi scored the decisive goal for Police in a dull match at the ANFA Complex as the departmental team, who are looking to avoid their first-ever relegation, climbed up to eighth position in the 14-team standings with 25 points.

A revitalised Police side have now remained unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches, with six of their total seven wins this season also coming from the last 10.

But, it is a different story for Three Star. Coach Megh Raj KC’s side was considered a serious title contender a month ago, but they now seem to have lost their purpose. Since their 3-0 win over Sankata Club on April 24, they have remained winless in their nine straight matches—losing four and drawing five.

KC’s Three Star were clueless and without any strategy on Tuesday as well, making no clear cut chances throughout the game.

Police smelt blood and Hijazi slammed a low drive into the far post in the 28th minute after he was set up by Joe Aidoo near the edge of the area.

It was the one and only chance of the game as Police held on to their slim lead to avenge their 1-0 first leg loss.

Newcomers Khumaltar also breathed life into the survival battle with a 1-0 win over fourth placed Satdobato Youth Club, who were missing their top scorer Deepak Raj Singh Thakuri, at the Dasharath Stadium.

Messouke Oloumou scored the match-winning goal in the 38th minute, flicking a cross from Rajiv Lopachan. The win—their first in four matches—moved them level on 21 points with the 13th-placed Friends Club.

They are still two points adrift of Sankata, New Road Team and APF Club, who are all locked in the battle to stay in the A-Division League. Sankata, NRT and APF all have 23 points.

Record eight-time champions Manang Marshyangdi Club are in the ninth position with 24 points, meaning they are also not safe from the drop.

League debutants Church Boys United lead the table with 37 points. Reigning champions Machhindra are placed second on 34 and Jawalakhel is in the third spot with 33 points.