St.Patrick’s College, Jaffna mastered another penalty shootout as they qualified for the final of the Kotmale U19 Schools’ Football Championship defeating St.Joseph Vaz 7-6 on penalties after it ended 0-0 in full time at the Durayappah Stadium, Jaffna.
The heroes for St. Patrick’s were the regular goal keeper A.Pirunthaban and R.Shanthan, who tactically took the goalkeepers place in the shootout, saved a penalty each to take their side to the final in their first attempt in the tournament.
The first half saw both sides missing opportunities including easy chances due to over enthusiasm of players.
It was St.Patrick’s who dominated the first 30 minutes and their forwards missed at least four chances. P. Dilakshan and R. Shanthan failed to convert the chances they got very closer to the opponent’s goal.
After 30 minutes of play St.Joseph Vaz stared intruding the opponent’s defense and they too missed easy chances.
St.Joseph Vaz forward Sandaruwan Fernando had a golden chance to score in the 38th minute inside the box but instead of trying an attempt he sent a back pass to Anil Manjula who kicked far wide of the left post.
And few minutes later Bidhusha Fernando failed twice in quick successions to send the ball into the goal from near to the goal.
Half time – St.Patrick’s College 0 – 0 St.Joseph Vaz
As the second half began again it was St. Patrick’s who dominated for a while. But their forwards were off target.
Likewise the lads from Wennappuwa too failed score though they had a few easy chances. Both team’s goal keepers too did their part and they saved nearly five goals apiece.
Full time – St.Patrick’s College 0 – 0 St.Joseph Vaz
In the penalty shootout Anthony Subash, Anroot Lenin, R. Dilakshan, R. Shanthan, E. Darwin and goalkeeper A. Piruthaban were perfect in their target. But S. Abeeshan’s kick went far left of goal post.
For St.Joseph Vaz Ashen Kanishka, Bidhusha Fernando, Sandaruwan Fernando, Nimesh Dilshan, Isuru Devinda kicked their penalties on target.
But Dinusha Fernando who took the 3rd kick was well saved by A. Pirunthaban. And the seventh penalty taken by Devinda Milinda was saved by R. Shanthan, who deputized for Pirunthaban which was wise tactic, as St.Patrick’s erupted in joy.
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – A.Pirunthapan (St.Patrick’s College)
