Pokhara Thunders moved to the top of the Nepal Super League table after defeating Sporting Ilam 1-0 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Sanjeeb Bista’s goal two minutes into the second half proved the difference as Nabin Neupane’s side cemented their chance to progress into the playoffs with eight points from four matches.

Pokhara are one point ahead of second-placed Dhangadhi, who have played a match less. Lalitpur City are third on six points, while defending champions Kathmandu Rayzrs lie in the fourth position with five points and a match in hand.

The top four teams at the end of the round-robin league will advance into the playoffs.

Ilam were definitely a better side in the first half, dominating the play and creating opportunities on a number of occasions, but still they were oblivious at the front, wasting many opportunities.

Omar Masdaphi Thiom’s near miss header off a cross from Ibrahim Djite in the 6th minute was probably the best move Ilam had in the first half.

Pokhara were dull and lacked plan as Ilam eventually raised the tempo in the final minutes of the first half, with Ashish Gurung and Thiom trying their luck, but their feeble efforts could not break through Pokhara goalkeeper Yves Priso Njanga.

Pokhara brought in Ayush Ghalan after the break and the national team player made immediate impact, setting up Mosses Gyabaah Twum whose left-footed strike ricocheted off the upright before hitting Ilam goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu but fortune favoured Ilam as the ball slowly creeped along the goalline denying to go in. Ilam were still indecisive, dilly dallying to clear the danger before Ghalan intercepted and passed into the six-yard box but Gurung calmed the waters with a clearance.

But Ilam’s momentum quickly ran out. Ghalan took the ensuing corner which Thiom handled clumsily and Bista took advantage by tapping into the bottom corner.

“The first half was not good. But, in the second half, our only target was to score and we did it,” said player of the match Bista after the victory.

The goal sparked life into Pokhara who bullied Ilam the rest of the game after securing the lead.

Ilam were playing their match only three days after clashing against Butwal Lumbini and fatigue caught them up as Pokhara held on to their lead for a crucial victory.

A third defeat of the season puts Ilam in the sixth position after four matches.

Chitwan play Butwal on Thursday.