Crystal Palace FC thumped Matara City 4-1 in their first match of the 2016 Dialog Champions League with Christopher Erastus scoring a double at the Jayathilake Stadium, Nawalapitiya.
From the beginning Crystal Palace players showed good attacking game. Crystal Palace skipper Isaac Aba tested visitors’ goalkeeper in the first minute with a shot from outside the box.
After some missed attempts Isaac scored the opener in the 7th minute with a quick counter attack. The ball was given by defender Khalid Azmil and Isaac placed it to the net with a thumping finish.
Solid cash in on poor Negombo Youth
In the 17th minute Crystal Palace received a free kick on the right corner of the box, where Isaac gave a small touch and Azmil placed it to the net with a powerful kick to make it 2-0.
There onwards Matara City strikers tried to score but Crystal Palace defense line managed them well, especially Charitha Rathnayaka and Khalid Azmil.
In the 35th minute Crystal Palace midfielder Mohamed Shifan got a hard volley shot from about 40 meters away from the post and visitors goalkeeper Kelum Dahanayaka saved with a massive dive.
Half Time: Crystal Palace FC 2 – 0 Matara City
As usual Crystal Palace players showed their attacking football style early in the 2nd half. Christopher Erastus scored his first with a brilliant finish.
Aba got a ball when he was just outside the penalty box and placed it to the penalty box where Erastus came with a sprint beating two Matara City defenders and volleyed it leaving Dahanayaka rooted to his place.
Late drama sees Blue Star grab winner against Colombo FC
In the 68th minute Crystal Palace coach substituted Aba but this did not change the Palace attack as Erastus scored his 2nd in 83rd from inside the penalty box and extended the lead to 4-0.
After that Crystal Palace players played a poor game and visitors took advantage from it, as Brayan Weerapulli scored the only goal for his team in the 85th minute
Full Time: Crystal Palace FC 4 – 1 Matara City
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Khalid Azmil (Crystal Palace)
After the match Crystal Palace Head Coach S.A.Weerasinghe talked to ThePapare.com:
“This is my first match with Crystal Palace FC and I’m so pleased with the performance of my boys. Most of these players playing while fasting. As in Kandy we have no proper grounds to do practice. That’s why we have to travel to Nawalapitiya to play our home matches. I have to appreciate about the Matara City team because they played a decent game and their officials and coaches also acted well in the ground premises and referees also did a great job by giving correct decisions.”
Goal Scorers
Crystal Palace: Isaac Aba 08′, Khalid Azmil 17′, Christopher Erastus 56′ & 83′
Matara City: Brayan Weerapulli 85′
Other Result
Civil Security Force 0 – 2 Up-Country Lions
Goal Scorers
Up-Country Lions: Charles Orlu 61’ & 82Cautions
Civil Security: Charindu Sampath
Up-Country Lions: Lasantha Nuwan
Photo Album – Civil Security SC v Up Country Lions SC | Group Stage | DCL 16
