Sports Castle have confirmed their place in the top four of the 'A' Division National Futsal League after defeating Sabin Memorial 2-0 in the Pokhara derby on Friday.

Yet to be beaten in the league round, Sports Castle lead the standings with 19 points after six wins from seven matches.

With only two rounds remaining and second-placed Sankhamul Futsal still four points away after playing a 2-2 draw against Sky Goals in the day's other match, the host city's team can now turn their attention to the summit.

"In the next two matches, we will try not to lose and keep our grip atop the standings," said Sports Castle assistant coach Arbin Gurung.

The top four finishers will advance into the playoffs. The top two teams will battle against each other for a place in the final in the Qualifier 1 while the third and the fourth-placed teams will lock horns in the Eliminator. The losing team of Qualifier 1 will then face the winners of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for the next final spot.

Suraj Gurung put Sports Castle in front in the 17th minute and substitute Kishor Gurung rounded off the victory in the 34th at the Pokhara covered hall.

Sabin Memorial coach Rajendra Tamang was not happy with his team's performance.

"We were under pressure to win but we could not capitalise on our chances. Even if we win the remaining two games, our chances of finishing in the top four might depend on the other results," said Tamang, whose side sits in fifth position with 10 points.

Sky Goals also have 10 points after they twice came from behind to secure a draw against unbeaten Sankhamul. They lie above Sabin Memorial on goal difference.

Krijal Khadka put Sankhamul ahead in the 8th minute but Sky Goals equalised two minutes into the break. Sankhamul retook the lead through Aruj Singh in the 27th minute but could not hold on as substitute Mision Lama levelled again three minutes later to secure a draw and keep alive their top four hopes.

"Although our players failed to convert opportunities into goals, I am happy with their teamwork. Of course, the stalemate has made our journey to top four difficult even if we win the remaining two matches," said Sky Goals coach Ramesh Sinkemana.

The draw has given a huge blow to Sakhamul's bid to finish on top but coach Prakash Pariyar is optimistic about getting into the top two.

"Our target is to finish at least in the top two. It will not matter whether we finish on top or second because both the top finishers will have the opportunity to play in Qualifier 1," said Pariyar, whose side have 15 points.

"We still have a chance to finish on top but we need two wins from two and hope for favourable results," he added.

In the other match of the day, Prabhatpheri Youth Club fought back to thrash the bottom-placed club Jharana Sports Club 7-3 to notch up their second win and keep alive their slim hopes of finishing on top four, courtesy of goals by Dhiraj Joshi, Srijesh Puri, Sijan Gurung, Akhilesh Karki, Nabin Lama and Santa Lal Gurung.

Jharana had taken the shock lead in the 1st minute after an own goal from Puri and doubled their lead three minutes later through Prem Chhantyal. Captain Jitesh Gurung made the score 3-0 in the 9th minute furthering their advantage but could not hold onto their lead when Prabhatpheri’s Gurung’s goal in the 14th minute opened the floodgates.

Karki netted the team's second in the 18th and Puri amended his own goal scoring an equaliser in the 20th. Gurung gave Prabhatpheri the lead with his brace in the 23rd before Lama stretched their lead two minutes later. Joshi put the game to bed after the half an hour mark.

Jharana are still winless.