Veteran striker EB Channa scored a hat-trick as Ratnam thrashed bitter rivals Java Lane 5-1 at Kew Points Road.
This much anticipated match attracted a huge crowd and they witnessed quality football from Ratnam. M. Yogaraja opened the scoring for Ratnam in the 15th minute after dominating play from the beginning. EB Channa then scored a brace in the 25th and 32nd minute to give the visitors a commanding lead at half time. Shortly after the restart Java Lane’s misery got worse as Mohammed Najumudeen was sent off for a reckless challenge. Taking advantage of the extra man Ratnam pilled on the pressure and Channa completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute. Two minutes later S. Camilas made it 5-0 with a well taken goal. Java Lane’s only goal came in the 63rd minute through Mohammed Rizkan.
Air Force drew with Saunders SC 1- all in a heated encounter where 8 yellow cards and a red card was dished out. Mohammed Naleer scored the only goal for Saunders in the 59th minute. Air Force’s D.L. Gunasinghe was sent off in the 72nd minute but the 10 men wingmen fought back and equalized through Devinda Bandara in the 78th minute.
Renown drew with Solid SC 1-1 at fortress Anuradhapura. Solid SC who had their unbeaten run ended in the Champions League by the struggling Kalutara Park produced another below par performance at home. After a goalless first half, Ali scored for Solid in the 68th minute with a wonderful header. Renown the more determined outfit fought hard and were rewarded with a goal in the 76th minute through K. De Silva.
An injury time goal by P.N. Priyankara gave Nandimithra SC a thrilling comeback 2-1 win over Pelicans SC at the Maligapitiya Grounds in Kurunegala. Nandimithra struggled to get a grip of the game for most part of the 80 minutes but produced two goals in the last 10 minutes. It was the Pelicans who dominated play from the opening whistle and it only took them 9 minutes to score. D. Sirisena wrong footed the defense to put the ball into the bottom corner. U. Madushanka equalized in the 81st minute for Nandimithra.
D.A. Adekke scored a hat-trick as Kalutara Park defeated Police SC 3-0 at the Vernon Fernando Stadium in Kalutara. Kalutara Park who were coming off from a morale boosting victory over Solid SC last week dominated play. Adekke’s goals were scored in the 36th, 54th and 66th minutes.
Army SC bombarded the Up- Country Lions to secure a 3-0 win at the Jayathilaka Stadium in Nawalapitiya. It was business as usual for Army as their quick attacking play and a solid defense humbled the Lions. After a goalless first half Mohamed Issadeen scored in the 46th minute and an own-goal by Ashanka Shiwanka in the 52nd gave Army a 2-0 win. Madusha De Silva added a third halfway through the second half.
A goal by Mohammed Farhah deep into injury time secured a vital three points for Blue Star SC as they beat Colombo SC 2-1 in an exhilarating encounter. The match attracted a large crowd to the City Football Complex at Kew Points road and they were entertained to some attractive football. Blue Star took the lead in the 35th minute through Mohammed Farseen. After half time both sides tried to assert authority but were unable to score until N. Kanishka equalized for Colombo FC in the 82nd minute. The match was heading for a draw but Farhah earned a win for Blue Star with the last kick of the match.
Navy SC sailed home for an comfortable 3-0 win over Matara City Club played at the Football Complex in Matara. Peter Charles scored the opener in the 19th minute and a brace by Nalaka Roshan in the 71st and 88th minutes completed the three goals.
Don Bosco beat New Youngs SC 1-0 at the Albert F. Peiris Stadium in Wennapuwa. Both teams had their chances throughout the match but the goal by D. Vicky in the 38th minute made the difference.
In a bottom of the table match up Super Sun defeated Negombo Youth 2-1. I.Tony scored a brace either side of Suranga’s equalizer in the 51 minute. This win gave Super Sun an important three points to move out from the bottom of the table.
