S.Peter’s College withstood a marauding first half by S.Thomas’ College to earn a hard fought 2-1 win in group A of the All Island U19 Schools Football Championship.
The two unbeaten sides in the group met at the S.Peter’s College grounds with the Peterites boasting with a few junior national players, as clear favourites. However it was the visitors who took the lead early on and Afam Akram equalized for the hosts near halftime. S.Peter’s were reduced to 10 men in the second half but dominated play sneaking in the winner midway through.
An energetic kick off saw the boys from S.Peter’s College take charge immediately. With just 5 minutes into the game Saunders SC playmaker, Niresh Sundararaj was able to clear his path to the goal for an early lead, only to find his brave try hit the side bar. Peters took the early scare to their advantage and started putting more and more pressure on their opponents as they stayed on attack mode throughout the match. However a compact Thomian defense only gave the hosts long range efforts on goal which were easily dealt with.
S.Thomas’ was not ready to give in that easily to the attack of the national players on the opposing side; they were able to counter attack some of the Peterites’ wrath. Yohan Mendis created an opportunity for S.Thomas’ when he won a corner kick in the 10th minute but the header went over the crossbar. Thomians showed composure and discipline in their play, with always on the lookout to go on the counter attack. The free scoring Peterites were rattled and indiscipline play saw them earn a couple of yellow cards.
In the 23rd minute of this grueling match; Dharmalingam Abikrishna silenced the hosts ghosting his way at the far post to volley home a Dion Dias corner. A chance to draw the scores was awarded to Afam Akram when he found himself pass the defenders with just goalkeeper Dinura Gunawardene to beat; but the U19 national pool goalkeeper was equal to the task putting his body on the line to save a certain goal.
The well drilled Thomians threatened with set pieces on a number of occasions but Abikrishna and Akhil Fernando failed to convert some inviting deliveries by Dion Dias. Gunawardene was at his best as he saved a couple of efforts on goal including a long range Akram low drive, diving to his right. However he was unable to prevent Java Lane youngster Akram equalizing near the end of the first half working the ball through a number of defenders and slotting it to the far post.
The second half proved difficult for the guests to find their groove with their lack of fitness showing; nonetheless kept their shape but the attacks were few and far between. S.Peter’s College were reduced to 10 men when another one of Sri Lanka U19 players Peshala Rajakaruna pulled back Yohan Mendis on a marauding run on the left to earn his second yellow of the match.
The hosts were still going strong even with this setback when a free kick almost turned out to be their second goal, but shot outside the top right corner of the goal. Peterites aggressive attacking plays continued to apply pressure on the opponents but also got themselves far too many yellow cards.
Midway through the second half Dananjaya Supramithra scored the winner coming between Abikrishna and Gunawardena to brilliantly head the ball to the back of the net from a cross into the box by Niresh. With the 2-1 lead, the home team played better from here on out and did not give any opportunities for the guests to even the score. Thomian skipper Deshan Gonawala couldn’t find his form throughout the match today which may have hurt his team in scoring a comeback goal. S.Peter’s had a few opportunities towards the end but were denied by the crossbar and some excellent saves from Gunawardena.
The match ended with a satisfactory win for the home team who moved into 1st place in the group stage. S. Thomas’ College will be facing Lumbini College and St.Benedict’s College next; with two possible victories, they have a chance of securing 2nd place behind S. Peter’s to move onto the knockout rounds.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Dinura Gunawardena
