Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) on Monday climbed to the third spot of the Red Bull National League that resumed more than four months after the April 25 Great Quake.

The first ever “home and away” League of domestic football had to be postponed for an indefinite period after the 7.9 magnitude earthquake left the country devastated with infrastructures in many parts of the country damaged.

MMC’s match against Nepal Police Club (NPC) at the Anfa complex began with a brief tribute on the earthquake victims and Anfa’s deceased vice-president Lalit Krishna Shrestha, who had died of electric shock at his home on June 12.  However, the much-awaited resumption went off colour after MMC played out a drab goalless draw against a depleted NPC.

NPC were no match in papers against a star-studded MMC side bolstered by three African recruits but the departmental side managed to escape with a point taking full advantage of their opponents’ inability to cash in on the chances that came their way.

MMC coach Raju Kaji Shakya said his boys needed time to settle down. “It was first match after a long break and we were not able to set the game well,” said Shakya. “We lacked coordination. There was a huge gap between the midfielders and forwards.”

MMC’s only notable move in the first half was squandered by Sujal Shrestha when the unmarked forward received a cross from Zikahe Leonce Dodoz inside the danger zone but ended up with a side-netting. NPC were without their national team trio of striker Jumanu Rai, midfielder Bhola Silwal along with defender Rabin Shrestha. Their absence was clearly felt with the policemen failing to create any threatening chances throughout the match.

MMC found some momentum after the break but they were still without their best. Anil Gurung did well to make a long run from the right towards the NPC goal but Dodoz failed to reach a sublime cross at the goalmouth in 53rd minute.

In the 60th minute, Bishal Rai’s powerful freekick was punched by NPC custodian Roshan Khadka. MMC goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha gifted a chance to Bharat Shah when the ball slipped from gloves and landed right in front of the NPC forward. However, Shah shot high in an open net. In the 72nd minute, substitute Subash Gurung’s powerful low drive hit the NPC pole as the deadlock stood.

NPC coach Birat Krishna Shrestha said his team refrained from taking risk in the game. “We were focused on our ball possession and never dared to penetrate MMC defence and have a go at their goal,” said Shrestha.

“We already have few of our players injured and the second choice players are also not completely fit. We had few unlucky matches in the opening stages and its difficult for us to go beyond third in the league,” said Shrestha.

On Tuesday, Three Star Club will take on Nepal Armed Police Force Club.