Nepal Police Club defeated Chandrapur Municipality 3-1 to climb second in the National Women’s Football League on Sunday.

Police broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Nirmala BK blazed in a rebound from Niru Thapa’s header.

Chandrapur levelled in the 39th minute after an error from Police goalkeeper Sapana Rai. Sapana fumbled Sabita Rana Magar’s header from a cross by captain Ghim Kumari Gurung.

Police established their lead soon after the break. Substitute Rekha Paudel collected a pass from defender Amrita Jaisi at the edge of the box and set up Niru Thapa, who coolly slammed the ball into the right-bottom corner in the 50th minute. It was her first goal for the departmental side.

Substitute Anushka Sherpa made sure Police were home and dry with three points tapping in a pass from Rekha in the stoppage time following a muddle in the Chandrapur box.

The win ensured Police unseat Tribhuvan Army Club and Biratnagar Metropolitan City in the second spot in the league table with eight points from five matches.

Despite the win, Police coach Sanjiv Joshi lamented benching key players.

“We gave chances to fresh players thinking Chandrapur were weak. But we could have scored more, said Joshi.

“We conceded because of a simple mistake from the goalkeeper, which is unfortunate,” he added.

Chandrapur remain in the sixth position in the seven-team league with three points.

“We played better today comparing to our previous matches. We are improving,” said Chandrapur assistant coach Chitra Darlami Magar.

“Our players are still battling injuries,” he added.

Army and Biratnagar are one point behind Police and are tied on seven points, with both teams set to face each other on Monday to reclaim the second place.

Unbeaten Armed Police Force Club lead the standings with 15 points from five matches, and will take on bottom club Chaudandigadhi in the other fixture on Monday. Chaudandigadhi are winless in the league.