Five star Solid pummels Navy

The early kick off saw Navy SC locking horns with Solid SC from Anuradhapura in the DCL 16 Super 8 fixture. It was Solid SC who came out on top winning the match comprehensively with the score line of 5-0 in the encounter held at Race Course grounds.

Both Navy SC and Solid SC finishing second and third respectively in their group stages needed a win behind their name to get going on the Super 8 stage.

Navy SC started off the proceedings and was the quicker of both teams to settle in. Chrishantha Perera had a shot at goal only to be saved by the Solid SC goalkeeper Anojan Fernando.

Photo Album: Solid SC v Navy SC | Super 8 | DCL16

Despite taking time to settle in, Solid SC slowly started to grow strong into the match.

Both teams had their fair share of possession in the initial stage of the match with midfielders working out the ball well. Despite both teams taking their own time in creating attacking opportunities, some sloppy work at final third made life easier for the defenders.

When it looked like Navy SC was taking control of the midfield, Solid SC stunned them with a counter attacking play. Prabodh broke Abumere free with a delicious through ball in the 25th minute and Abumere made no mistakes in slotting the ball into the empty goalpost before squaring off the goalkeeper Imesh Fernando.

Navy SC took their own time to find their feet again in the match but couldn’t create a decent chance to trouble the Solid goalkeeper.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Solid SC pounced on a defensive error of Navy SC. Prabodh rounded the helpless goalkeeper for the second time in the match and tapped the ball into the post from outside the penalty area to make it 2-0.

Referee Mohamed Irshad blew the half time whistle as Solid SC went to the pavilion the happier of the both teams.

Half Time: Solid SC 2-0 Navy SC

Navy SC came into the second half trying to turn the tables.

It was Solid SC though starting from where they left off in the first half, who had much of the possession. It looked like Solid was on its way to the third goal but side line referee ruled out Edison Figurado for being in offside position.

Abumere of Solid SC was causing havoc in the Navy defense using his physical presence not only to barge through but also to hold and provide service to his team mates.

Navy after a long struggle was able to find a shot at goal but Pradeep Perera’s effort was weak and Anojan Fernando had no trouble saving the tame volley effort.

Solid SC put the match to bed with yet another counter attacking play in the 72nd minute. Anton Ranjan broke Thakshila Danoj free who expertly chipped the ball from outside of his boot past the diving goalkeeper before racing towards the goal.

Navy SC made some changes bringing in some fresh legs into the game, but it was the confident Solid outfit that looked threatening for the fourth goal.

Substitute Sajeewan made it 4-0 in the 88th minute scoring a header to extend Navy SC’s misery.

When it looked like it couldn’t get worse for Navy SC, Sajeewan scored his brace thanks to Thakshila Danoj who unselfishly passed the ball to Sajeewan despite having the chance to go on his own.

Referee ended the match as Solid showcased a five star performance to kick start their Super 8 campaign to a flier.

Full Time: Solid SC 5-0 Navy SC

ThePapare.com Player of the match: M.G.S. Prabodh

Goal scorers:
Solid SC- Abumere 25’, Prabodh 42’, Thakshila Danoj 72’, Sajeewan 88’, 90+2’

Cautions:
Yellow cards- Sagayam Godwin 73’ (Solid SC), Jeran Fernando 84’ (Navy SC)