Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) regained the lead in the Martyrs Memorial A Division League after strolling to a 3-0 win over Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) here on Wednesday.

MMC climbed to top of the standings with 16 points from seven matches and opened up two-point lead over second-placed Nepal Police Club (NPC) who went atop on Tuesday with 1-0 win over Simrik Saraswoti Club. Third-placed Nepal APF Club also have 14 points but have played a game more.

Yona Elias of Tanzania gave MMC an early fourth minute lead after Sulabh Maskey set the forward inside the area. Deepak Rai then added the second in the 56th minute heading in a Sujal Shrestha cross. Veteran national team striker Anil Gurung completed the JYC rout scoring the third seven minutes from time.

Earlier, injury-hit APF survived a barrage of TAC attack to play an entertaining 1-1 draw. The Armymen paid for missing out on numerous easy scoring chances. “To be honest, I was expecting, at best, a draw considering that four of our regulars missed the match due to suspension,” said APF coach Krishna Thapa. Ranjan Bista, Kovit Karki, Sachidra Dhimal and Shyam Nepali were suspended for the match.

“I thought the game was all over for us when we conceded the goal early on but it was tremendous effort from our boys to salvage a draw,” said the APF coach. Padam Tamang gave TAC the 15th minute lead, blasting the shot at the far post, the ball getting in despite having contact with the diving APF custodian Amrit Chaudhary.

Tanka Basnet and forward national team star forward Bharat Khawas then squandered easy scoring opportunities to double the Armymen’s lead. Khawas released a perfect through ball into the area but Basnet should have done better than shooting straight into the body of advancing APF keeper Chaudhary in the 34th minute. And six minutes later Khawas wasted another easy scoring opportunity. Nawayug released a perfect right-wing cross at the far side and with everybody beaten and APF goalie at his mercy, the TAC forward also hit the body of Chaudhary.

The Armymen were left ruing the missed chances when APF levelled the tie in the 22nd minute. Rajendra Dhimal blasted a spectacular shot from right to the top left of the roof leaving desperate goalkeeper Ful Bahadur Lama hardly any chance.

“We played better football but unfortunately we could not convert chances that came our way,” said TAC coach Yogamber Suwal. Suwal also said that the outcome have made their prospect of qualifying for the Super League a bit difficult. “But we have not lost hopes,” added the TAC coach. TAC remain on ninth with 10 points from eight games.