Suraj
saves the day for NRT as Himalayan Sporting go down 2-1 KATHMANDU, Feb 24- The 1997 Amatya Gold Cup runner-up New Road Team made a shaky start before beating a tenacious Himalayan Sporting Club, Darjeeling 2-1 here Monday. New Road Team (NRT) , one of the hot contenders were fortunate to have survived the rivals fury in the second half. Lady luck, spectacular saves by the defence and missed chances by the rivals saved the day for the glamour side. Undoubtedly the hero for the winners was highly talented Suraj Khaling from Dharan who scored the wining goal in the final seconds of the match. It was a brilliant goal by the youngster who scored from inside the d-area in a lightning counter attack. NRT made a whirl-wind start bombarding the opponents citadel. The forwards and mid-fielders displaying effective co-ordination had the rivals at their feet. The visitors made valiant efforts to keep the aggressors at bay but in vain. But mid-way through the first half unable to withstood the pressure they conceded a goal. It was a brilliant goal scored by diminutive Rajendra Shakya who beat the advancing custodian by skilfully chipping over him. Despite taking the lead, NRT failed to pressurise the rivals further. Instead they slowed down considerably and their performance dipped dramatically. Taking advantage of the opponents slackness Darjeeling made a steady come back into the match. The forwards who looked lost in the initial stages started to play purposeful football. The combination of Robin, Lakpa, Sanjay and Pratap created a host of scoring chances, but poor finish denied them goals. Apart from lacking clinical finish, the players were nervous and jumpy. Darjeeling were a rejuvenated and organised outfit after lemon break. Mixing aggression and positive brand of football, they attacked in waves. Shyam Mali and Murali were given a run for their money . So fierce and intense was the attack that they were kept on their toes through out. Amir Dangol, the star mid-fielder of NRT who stole so many hearts in Birganj was not at his best. So were internationally experienced Sarbagy and Chet Narayan in the attack. They were totally off-coloured and failed to make any impact on the attack. Khaling, the new recruit from Dharan impressed with his foot work, ball control and body feign. But he was ignored by his team mates who refused to feed him constantly. Darjeeling eclipsed the entire second half. So one -sided was the affair that the game got totally confined in NRTs territory. After many futile attempts, the visitors finally found the equaliser. Sanjay Rashaily stunned the ring of defence when his swerving free kick from outside the box found the net. It was a spectacular goal, perhaps the best so far in the championships. Inspired by the equaliser, Darjeeling showed no respite in their attack. On numerous occasions they had clear chances to take the lead but forwards fumbled at crucial junctures. Medio Pratap Mothey was guilty of squandering a sitter when he failed to get past the custodian on the goal line. Then came the breathtaking save by Murari who headed the ball to safety in the nick of time after the custodian had been comprehensibly beaten. Then came the moment of glory and relief for the champions, Khaling in a display of individual brilliance scored the match winner to snatch victory from the rivals. Jawalakhel Youth Club stun Sankata In the battle of youths, Jawalakhel Youth Club bounced back from a goal deficit to oust Sankata Boys Sporting Club 2-1 in a low-key match. Sankata Boys Sporting Club (SBSC) made a dream start when diminutive Hari Thakuri struck the first blow in the very first minute of play. Thakuri known for his scoring prowess and pace scored through a solo effort. He weaved through a couple of defenders before slotting home from a difficult angle. The unsettled Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) quickly recovered from the early shock and made a gallant fight back. Their attack revolved around Megh Raj KC and Nabin Karki. They forced way their way through the defence time and again but failed to score. Thakuri , the top scorer in Siliguri ( West Bengal) football league was brilliant as usual. He covered a lot of ground and did a lot of running. What he lacked was support. Ramesh Budathoki also impressed a lot. He was quick and played sensible and creative football. Naresh Thapa and Anil Thapa also had a big hand in the teams success. Giving good account of themselves they blunted many dangerous attacks. The equaliser for JYC was scored by Megh, while ht winning goal came though the boots off experienced Om Shrestha.
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