Charles Ghansah and Ritu struck either side of the break in Arambagh's third win which pushed their collection to 15 points, three and four points clear of Wanderers and Youngmen's respectively at the end of the 15th round.

With Dipali -- at the basement of the ten-team fray with two points -- already relegated, Arambagh's chances to avoid relegation brightened at the cost of their neighbours.

Arambagh, who beat Young-men's 3-1 in the first-leg, dominated the show at the Bangabandhu National Stadium but the pitch was at its worst following incessant rain for the last few days.

Arambagh, who have never been demoted after their arrival in the top flight of domestic football in 1980s in the then first division, took the lead after 32 minutes. Skipper Imrul's corner was deflected by their defender Dulal to Ghansah and the Ghanaian stopper pushed the ball into an open net for his third goal.

Ritu's fourth goal in the league sealed the victory in the 67th minute when the former national striker sliced through two defenders on a long run and slammed an angular drive into the far post off the sidebar.

Youngmen's tried hard to come back but got only one clear cut chance five minutes from time when Ripon invaded the rival penalty area. But his efforts went down the drains as the robust midfielder shot the ball wide from close.