Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) got the better of Jhamsikhel Youth Club 2-0 in the Martyrs Memorial ‘B’ Division League football tournament at the ANFA complex in Satdobato on Friday.

The victory lifts RCT atop the Group ‘A’ standings with eight points from five games while Jhamsikhel dropped one place down to third in the six-team pool with seven points from five matches.

Both teams failed to create significant goal scoring opportunities in the first half. RCT could have drawn first blood in the 11th minute but Jhamsikhel custodian Subash Magar denied Nawaraj Gurung’s shot at goal in a one-on-one encounter with a solid dive to his left. In the 22nd minute, Bhuwan Rai’s shot that could have challenged RCT goalkeeper Dilip Chhetri fortunately deflected off a defender’s leg for a corner.

 RCT failed to capitalise on another scoring chance in the 48th minute. Nawaraj Gurung’s cut back from the byline was blocked by custodian Magar. The ball was still in the danger zone but Gurung ended up applying a loose shot straight into the goalkeeper’s arms. However, the missed opportunity didn’t prove too costly. In the very next minute, Niraj Thapa Magar’s simple attempt to pass went between Jhamsikhel defender Sunil Shahi’s legs. Nawaraj Gurung completed an easy goal from five yards out to open his team’s account.

The latter part of the second half brought some good opportunities for Jhamsikhel. In the 61st minute, Bhuwan Rai ended up striking straight at RCT goalkeeper Dilip Chhetri on Man Kumar Rai’s through ball. But Chhetri failed to gather the ball and Rai charged to have another attempt on goal. Defender Lokendra Bahadur Karki blocked the shot and Saugat Pratap Gurung ultimately cleared it to safety. Ten minutes later, Tapan Karki was in one-on-one situation with RCT custodian Chhetri but ended up shooting straight at the goalkeer.

RCT could have settled the nerves in the 85th minute. Sahil KC’s cut back from right and into the area was intercepted by an alert Sunil Shahi even before it reached Nawaraj Gurung at the far side. In the stoppage time, RCT added the second after unmarked Sahil KC netted from eight yards out of a lobbed cross from Unam Budathoki.

In another match, Pulchowk Sports Club rallied for a 2-2 draw against Tushal Youth Club. Tika Raj Gurung completed a remarkable comeback  to salvage a point for Pulchowk scoring in the 55th and 85th minute. Karan  Rawat had provided Tushal the 13th minute lead and Kashim Rai added the another in the 16th minute. Tushal stay on top with 11 points  while Pulchowk climbed to third with seven points.