The seventh minute goal turned out to be the decider. Subedi beat past APF defenders and slotted home past advancing goalkeeper Binay Shrestha.

The departmental had a wonderful opportunity to level the scores when they were awarded a spot kick in the 18th minute after Rabin Bhandari tripped Santosh Shrestha inside the area. Aditya Chaudhary stepped in to take the penalty but the Far West custodian Birendra Bahadur Chand blocked his shot.

Apart from the wasted spot kick, APF came close to scoring on four other occasions, notably in the first half injury time when forward Anjan Bista’s attempt rebounded off the upright. Far West should have doubled their lead two minutes from time as Maniram Chaudhary did exceptionally well to cut past goalie Binay but somehow failed to direct the ball into the empty net.

The departmental team were reduced to 10 men when Aditya was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the 56 minute. The rough nature of the game can be summed up by the fact that referee Lava Khatri flashed a total of 9 yellow cards.

Far West coach Kiran Shrestha believed that his team’s ability to score early on made huge difference in the game. “Our attacking game paid off and we were able score the winning

goal. The victory is a big morale booster which will motive our players to come up with even better a show in next match,” added the Far West coach.

APF coach Krishna Thapa rued the missed penalty as well as his team’s inability to converted two other easy scoring chances. “However, our players should take positive from the game. The defeat is a welcome reminder for players to be alert in the (ongoing) Red Bull National League,” added Thapa.

Jhapa XI will take on Lumbini Football Club on Thursday.