Bimal Gharti Magar-inspired Far Western FC rallied for a 3-1 win over Lumbini FC during the Red Bull National League match here at the Anfa complex in Satdobato on Wednesday.

The teenaged striker Gharti Magar, Sudhan Thapa and Dinesh Rajbanshi scored for Far West after Kamal Shrestha had put Lumbini in front in the 25th minute. Far West should have taken the lead early in the 12th minute only for Hemanta Thapa Magar to squander a penalty kick. Far West were awarded the spot kick when Gharti Magar was felled inside the area. Thapa Magar stepped in to take the shot but Lumbini goalkeeper Dilip Chhetri denied him with a spectacular save.

The penalty miss appeared to be costly for Far West as Lumbini scored in the 25th minute after Bishwas Shrestha and Kamal exchanged passes for the latter to slam home the goal. Gharti Magar, however, lived up to his reputation as the national team striker by scoring an equaliser eight minutes after resumption. Gharti Magar converted the spot kick which his side won after Kalu Thapa handled the ball inside the danger zone.

Lumbini were reduced to 10 men as Bishwas was sent off in the 54th minute for his double bookings. Far West took advantage of the numerical advantage as Sudhan Thapa blasted a shot into the net six minutes from time. Lumbini custodian Chhetri’s desperate attempt to stop the shot went in vain. Rajbanshi then settled the nerves adding the third goal for Far West, heading home a cross from Amit Tamang in the 90th minute.

Lumbini FC coach Yam Gurung said his team was not in the proper mental frame following a disturbing media report made against the match”. Gurung also alleged the their opponent of earning an unfair advantage from referee. Far West coach Kiran Shrestha said his team was gradually finding their feet. “After some sloppy first half of the season, this was really a good performance. I hope to improve as the league progresses,” said the coach.

The result meant Far West remain on sixth with 10 points from nine game, while Lumbini are rooted at the bottom of the nine-team standings with four points. Jhapa, who played a goalless draw against Morang in Biratnagar on Wednesday, lead the standings with 17 points from nine games. Three Star Club are in the second position, three points behind the leaders but the Lalitpur-based outfit have played two games less.

Nepal Police Club will play Tribhuvan Army Club at Anfa Complex on Thursday.