St. Mary’s gave Matara City back to back defeats while Java Lane drew against Crystal Palace in matchweek three of the Sri Lanka Football Champions League at the Racecourse International Stadium.
Matara City v St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s inflicted another stinging 2-0 loss to the defending champions Matara City in a Group B encounter in the Sri Lanka Football Champions League at the Racecourse Stadium.
Matara City needed a positive start after their 5-0 defeat to Police in week 2, while St. Mary’s were boosted by the addition of four foreign players into their starting lineup.
It was the lads from Jaffna who took the advantage in just the 11th minute when a mistake by goalkeeper Rashika Sampath gifted the lead. John Lawani’s looping header, which should have been an easy collection, was misjudged by the back peddling Sampath and landed inside his goal.
St. Mary’s did have a few opportunities but failings in front of the goal denied a 2nd before Prince Clifford’s moment of madness reduced them to 10-men in the 37th minute.
Half Time: Matara City 0 – 1 St. Mary’s
Minutes into the 2nd half St. Mary’s got their 2nd goal through M. Marysan. Even with an extra man, Matara City struggled to make an impact in the game, while St. Mary’s squandered a few chances to add to their goal tally.
Full Time: Matara City 0 – 2 St. Mary’s
- Player of the Match – Oke Metobor (St. Mary’s)
Match Summary
Goal Scorers
St. Mary’s – John Lawani 11’, M. Marysan 50’
Java Lane v Crystal Palace
Java Lane twice came from a goal down to draw 2-2 against Crystal Palace in a Group A encounter in the Sri Lanka Football Champions League at the Racecourse Stadium.
Crystal Palace’s early dominance was rewarded with a goal in the 17th minute when Michael Acquaye tapped-in from close range off a corner. However, it was Java Lane who came alive after going a goal down and soon found an equalizer. Skipper Harshana Sumudu, with the ball going away from the goal, produced a fantastic finish past goalkeeper Mohamed Riflan in the 20th minute.
Java Lane created chances but lacked the finishing as the lads from Gampola once again took the lead on the stroke of half time.
Half Time: Java Lane 1 – 2 Crystal Palace
After an exciting first half, the 2nd half proved to be a dull affair as neither side looked like scoring. Crystal Palace were happy to run the clock out while Java Lane delivered hopeful long balls which were easily dealt with by the defense.
Deep into added time Crystal Palace seemed like they had secured the three points only for Riflan to spill a routine collection at the feet of Harshana Sumudu who made no mistake with the finish much to the joy of the Java Lane faithful.
Full Time: Java Lane 2 – 2 Crystal Palace
- Player of the Match – Harshana Sumudu (Java Lane)
Match Summary
Goal Scorers
Java Lane – Harshana Sumudu 20’ & 90+6’
Crystal Palace – Michael Acquaye 17’, Isaac Aba 45+4’
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