First half goals sends defending champs St.Henry’s past Maris Stella

Two first half goals sealed the semi-final spot for reigning champions St.Henry’s College, Ilavalai in the 3rd quarter final of the Kotmale U19 Schools Football Championship played against Maris Stella College, Negombo at the City League Football Complex today(29th Sep).

The match began under slightly wet ground conditions due to the rain that prevailed earlier. The boys from Negombo were the first to challenge the opposition goalkeeper but the attack was not long lived as the Henricians quickly began taking control of the game.

Henrician captain Amalathas Mathusan took the initiative in upsetting the Maris defense with a nice flick from the outside of his foot but was unlucky as the ball soared over the goal.

St.Henry’s kept up their attack especially through the right flank with brilliant combinations between Gnaneswaran Antonyraj and Mathusan.

The first goal for the boys from Jaffna came through Sri Lanka U19 cap, Jude Suban when his not so powerful low shot from over 20 yards took a deflection upon bouncing confusing the keeper, Umesh Fernandopulle who didn’t even move as the ball slipped past him and into the goal.

Maris Stella tried to retaliate and equalize but their attacks were not powerful enough to trouble the keeper Ukantheeswaran Amalraj.

Goalkeeping error by Maris keeper Umesh from a cross by Mathusan saw the rebound going over to an unmarked Benedict Anojan who made no mistake in volleying the ball into goal doubling the lead for St.Henry’s in the 17th minute.

St.Henry’s proved to be the more technically professed side with quick passes and play switching and also almost instantaneous cover ups for defensive players who would join the attack up front.

Maris captain Anjana Gunawardena tried to liven up the game for the Negombo boys when he dribbled through the Henrician defense but his shot was not powerful enough and was collected by Amalraj easily.

Nearing the end of the first half Maris began losing heart and dropped down overwhelmed by the Henricians’ continuous attacks.

Half time – St.Henry’s College 2 – 0 Maris Stella College

The second half began with Maris Stella once again initiating the attack as they seemed to be determined in their play to catch up a 2 – 0 deficit.

St.Henry’s seemed to have become a bit too over confident with their lead and began to loosen up their defense which was a big mistake as Maris boys took advantage of this and increased their attack.

Tharinda Silva was exceptional in these attacks but was not lucky enough to gain a goal especially when his powerful instep shot was collected by the keeper.

Henricians although let slip their defense, made no mistake in keeping up their ferocious attacks. Antonyraj made a brilliant shot at goal that made the Maris keeper dive across the goal to fend it off.

Maris received a free kick opportunity to lessen the gap which was taken by skipper Anjana Gunawardena. Although his shot was powerful and well on target it went straight into the waiting hands of Amalraj who made an easy collect of what was truly a well struck ball.

Maris Stella received one last chance to find the back of the net when Praneeth Shaminda bravely broke through the defense took a shot at goal which was blocked by the keeper but hesitated for a fraction of second with the rebound which closed the window of opportunity for a goal the defender slipped by to clear it away.

Full time – St.Henry’s College 2 – 0 Maris Stella College

ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Anthony Ramesh (St.Henry’s College)

Speaking to ThePapare.com coach of St.Henry’s College said;

“We expected an equally tough match because both sides are good teams but their players did not play well enough in the first half whereas we made use of our opportunities and took the lead. But our players also did not play well enough in the second half which was why the intensity of the game dropped slightly in the second half,

We expect to play Zahira College in the semi-finals and if it comes to that we will play that match as if it is a final match,”

Speaking to ThePapare.com coach of Maris Stella College said;

“Both teams are equally tough teams but we did not make use of the opportunities given to us which is why we lost the game today.”

 Goal Scorers 

St.Henry’s – Jude Suban 9’, Benedict Anojan 17’