Navy SC protected an early penalty by Christeen Fernando to claim three points against Blue Star SC in a recommenced match, in the Dialog Champions League.
The match on Sunday was suspended mid-way through the 2nd half at which Navy were leading 1-0 from Fernando’s first half penalty. Navy held fort after the recommencement midweek and completely out played the visitors.
Following a surprise nill all draw against New Youngs the week earlier after scoring eleven goals in the two previous weeks Blue Star needed the three points to be confident of a top four spot. Navy, on the other hand seeked vengeance for their FA Cup semifinal loss last year, at the hands of the visitors who have become a boogey team for them.
The match started under cool weather conditions though the conditions under foot were less than satisfactory but playable. Blue Star struggled to control the ball while their counterpart playing on their Welisara home base fared well attacking the visitors end regularly.
The muddy and slippery conditions was certain to make a telling impact and it did not have to wait long as Fahir Ali slid in for a tackle on Chathuranga Sanjeewa inside the box only taking his legs out and giving away a needless penalty. Sanjeewa was going away from goal and there was no threat but Ali’s recklessness cost Blue Star as Christeen Fernando converted the penalty easily against Manjula Fernando who has been a thorn in their side in previous meetings.
The hosts continued to create chances with Manjula Fernando coming to the rescue in difficult conditions saving a few efforts on target and clearing on off the goal line. Blue Star defense was all over the place as Navy picked holes in it with ease.
Towards the end of the first half Blue Star did get their foot in the match stringing together a few passes. They should have equalized through Yankson Richard but as he has proved in the last few matches he is not a clinical finished. After brushing off the defense on a through ball from the edge of the box he shot a powerful drive straight at Ajith Kumara who did well to punch it out.
It was much of the same in the 2nd half as Navy kept in control but unlike in the first half lacked chances. Midway through the second half heavens opened up and made the conditions even more difficult to play which led the referee, match commissioner and the captains to discuss and suspend play.
On recommencement mid-week in good ground conditions Navy asserted their authority as they played out the rest of the minutes without any alarm bells ringing.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Chathuranga Sanjeewa
