Blue Star continued their unbeaten home as they held the free-scoring Army SC to a goalless draw at the Vernon Fernando Stadium.
Not getting the desired three points was a blow for Army who are chasing a top four finish while Blue Star would be happy with their defensive performance which keeps them in the Super Eights. Blue Star’s unbeaten home record this season was under threat against the formidable Army side in the first match of the new year with the hosts losing a couple of players due to suspension and injury.
In the opening minute itself Mohomed Issadeen had a golden opportunity to give the visitors the lead but he shot straight at the goalkeeper, which was uncharacteristic of him. Army kept possession from kick-off passing the ball around before Sankha Danushka lobbed the ball over the Blue Star defense where Issadeen beat the offside trap to race clear but his effort was saved by the feet of goalkeeper Rizvi. It was a shock not only to the Army players but for Blue Star as well knowing how lethal Issadeen is inside the box.
Awakened by that early lapse Blue Star crept into the game putting pressure on the Army side high up the pitch and it was their towering back three of Captain Mohomed Ramees, Nasiru Opayemi and Mohomed Rifkhan who were the stars of the day as they negated the nippy Army strikers as well as dealt with the crosses with ease.
All three players were six feet plus and the smaller strike force of Issadeen and Madushan De Silva were no match to the physicality of the three. Blue Star took advantage of their height at the attacking end as they created havoc for the Army defense through corners and long throw in into the box. Ramees had the chance to get a goal before halftime through two free-kick but was denied with being saved and the other went just over the crossbar.
There was held up of play as Blue Star coach Mohomed Hamza showed dissent after the referee took longer than usual to allow a Blue Star player who had gone out because of injury, back into the pitch. Hamza was sent off for his troubles.
The second half started well for Blue Star where two shots on target were turned away for corners by Army goalkeeper who was standing in for injured Kumara Sirisena. However it never materialized into an action packed half as both sides showed poor quality in the attacking third which was partly due to some excellent defensive work as well.
The only chance for Army in the second half came when Sanka Dhanushka danced his way pass two defenders and his through pass was fumbled by Rizvi but on rushing Madushan De Silva was unable to make use of it.
“We didn’t have enough practice because of elections and our players couldn’t go out for practices. We wanted the win but considering the lack of practice I accept the point.” Army coach Faumi added after the match.
“We have a couple of national players one was injured (Sajith Kumara) which was a big loss for our attack while Punsara Thiruna hasn’t performed at the level of a national player and that’s why I replaced him before halftime. Also that first minute chance for Issadeen was unfortunate” he went on to say.
“Happy with the point considering we too were hampered by the elections and the weather where we were unable to practice properly.” Blue Star coach Hamza told ThePapare.com
“Our three center backs played brilliantly and the midfield also complemented each other. Apart from Army’s first minute chance neither team managed to create any clear cut chances. It is a concern for us but I think with the weather permitting and some good practices sessions will bring the lads back to form.” Hamza finally added.
