Nationals struck two goals in a span of three minutes to down Dharmaraja Union 2-1 in the ‘A’ Division football league at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Wednesday.

In a closely-fought contest, the opening tie for both sides, Dharmaraja Union had more scoring chances in the first half an hour or so as both sides preferred flanks for launching the attacks.

Nationals too failed to cash in on a judgement error by Dharmaraja custodian Chidanand as Raja Varma’s shot sailed inches over the bar in the 31st minute.

Adding to Nationals’ agony, Dharmaraja went ahead in the very next minute off a corner when Sandip fired one in near the far-end post after Rohan Pereira’s set-piece was hesitantly cleared by rival custodian Naresan.

Centre-kick

But, Nationals equalised with the very first move after the centre-kick when Varma touched in a D Prabhakaran cross from the right flank past out-positioned rival guardian Chidanand in the 33rd minute.

Nationals suddenly came on top when Chidanand, who had a forgettable day under the bar, dug his team’s grave with another error. The goalkeeper, who looked uncomfortable throughout the match with erratic charges, was hapless when Robin D’Souza gave Nationals the edge with a slight touch onto the goal.

However, after resumption, Dharmaraja, mostly comprising St Joseph’s College of Commerce students, made a valiant fight-back. They clearly put their rivals on toes in the second session and despite two substitutions made upfront, an equaliser eluded them.

Earlier, Universal plundered four second-half goals to outclass Sri Gajanana 5-1. Suresh Babu put universal ahead in the 29th minute while Somu P (71st) enhanced the lead. Kutty (84th) made it 3-0 and Sunil closed in with a brace (89th, 91st). Murali (63rd) scored the lone goal for Sri Gajanana.

Thursday’s match: Super Division: DYSS vs Southern Blues, 3.45 pm; ‘A’ Division: HMT vs Tilak Memorial, 1.45 pm.